Category: Health

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Indian Railways Achieves ₹2.56 Lakh Crore Revenue in 2023-24 with Net Profit of ₹3,260 Crore Amid Major Investments in Staff, Pension, and Energy
Source: Government of India

Indian Railways Achieves ₹2.56 Lakh Crore Revenue in 2023-24 with Net Profit of ₹3,260 Crore Amid Major Investments in Staff, Pension, and Energy

Indian Railways Adopts Two-Pronged Strategy to Boost Profits by Increasing Revenue and Enhancing Operational Efficiency

Freight Loading Surges 29% to 1,591 MT in 2023-24; Indian Railways Targets 1.6 Billion Tonnes in 2024-25 to Become World’s Third Largest Freight Carrier

Railways Expands Freight Business with Private Investment in Terminals, Modern Wagons, Cargo Aggregation, and Competitive Tariff Policies

Railways Strengthen Cost Management Through Electrification, Workforce Optimization, and Operational Efficiencies, Saving ₹4,700 Crore on Diesel in 2023-24

Indian Railways Pioneers Green and Sustainable Initiatives with HOG Trains, Electrification, LED Adoption, Renewable Energy, and Hydrogen-Powered Trains

Rail Network Speed Potential Expands to 80,000 km at 110 kmph, with 23,000 km Upgraded for 130 kmph Since 2014

Posted On: 02 APR 2025 7:39PM by PIB Delhi

During 2023-24, the earning of Indian Railways (IR) was ₹2,56,093 cr and revenue expenditure was ₹2,52,834 cr. The net Revenue has improved to Rs 3,260 crore in 2023-24. Major expenditure is done on Staff cost, Pension, energy consumption etc.

To increase the profit, Indian Railways (IR) has adopted two-pronged approach i.e. increase the revenue and bring efficiency in operational expenditure.

Due to implementation of several freight revenue initiatives, the freight carried by IR during 2020-21 was 1,233 million tonnes which increased to 1,591 million tonnes during 2023-24 i.e. a growth of 29%. IR is set to achieve 1.6 billion tonnes freight loading in the FY 2024-25 making it the third largest freight handling railway system in the world. Some of the important measures to improve the freight include-
- Encouraging private sector to develop the modern rail freight terminals under ‘Gati Shakti Multi- Modal Cargo Terminal (GCT)’ policy and augmenting/ upgrading the infrastructure at railway owned goods sheds.
- Implementing various schemes for private sector to invest in wagons including the commodity focused specialized wagons such as wagons for cement, oil, steel, fly-ash, automobiles etc.
- Facilitating cargo aggregation and thereby, expand the commodity basket by the schemes including the policy of “Cargo Aggregator Transportation Product” and “Joint Parcel Product-Rapid Cargo Services”.
- Implementing the several tariff related measures to enhance the rail share by making rail mode competitive with respect to road. These include Short Lead Concession for traffic upto 90 Km, Liberalized Automatic Freight Rebate scheme for traffic loaded in empty flow direction, discounts on loading of bagged consignment in open and flat wagon, discount in freight to Fly ash/Bed ash traffic, operation of Mini Rake for Container train, fixation of special haulage rate for Bulk Cement (cement in loose form) when transported in normal containers.
IR has also undertaken many initiatives to increase non-fare revenue such as measures to increase the advertisement earnings, implementing the NINFRIS (New and Innovative Ideas and Concepts Scheme for Generation for Non-fare Revenue) policy to encourage innovative revenue-generating ideas. Some examples of NINFRIS Contracts are Nursing pods, luggage wrapping and sanitization, digital cloakrooms, disposal linen kiosks, imitation jewellery kiosks, Khadi selling kiosks, handicraft kiosks, Kiosks for online education platforms, facilities for electric charging facilities, oxygen parlours, etc. An e-auction policy has been implemented to expedite the bidding for assets such as leased parcel space, parking lots, ATMs etc. The benefits of e-Auction module include – realization of true earning potential of each asset, reduction the time taken in finalization of Tenders and prevent revenue loss on this account, re-award of contract in quick time in case of failure in commencing by any contractor etc.

IR has also undertaken steps to improve the earning from passenger segments such as running of special trains, augmentation of on-board capacity, and introduction of new trains with higher facilities on appropriate fare.

Similarly, various measures are being regularly taken in railways to ensure optimum expenditure. Some of the expenditure management on railways includes manpower management, electrification of Railway tracks etc. Measures like electrification of Railway tracks has led to savings of more than Rs 4700 crore under Diesel traction in FY 2023-24.

Cleanliness is a continuous process and various measures have been taken for maintaining cleanliness at stations and trains which include integrated housekeeping contracts at major stations & trains, mechanized cleaning, bio-toilets in passenger coaches, On Board Housekeeping Service (OBHS) scheme in long distance trains, Clean Train Station (CTS) scheme for identified trains en-routed at nominated stations, dustbins for bio-degradable and non-biodegradable wastes etc.

IR has taken various steps to promote environment friendly & sustainable practices. Some of them are as under: –
- Conversion of End on Generation (EOG) trains into Head on Generation (HOG) trains to reduce noise, air pollution and diesel consumption.
- Construction of Eastern and Western Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs).
- Procurement of renewable energy from different power procurement modes for its future energy requirements.
- Provision of energy efficient Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting in all Railway installations including stations, service buildings, residential quarters and coaches for reduction in electricity consumption.
- Use of star rated appliances.
- 98% of railway tracks have been electrified, resulting in saving in diesel consumption.
- Harnessing hydrogen gas to drive train sets.
- Green Certifications of railway establishments.
- Proper waste management.
Improvement/up-gradation of Rolling Stock to enhance safety and comfort of passengers is a continuous and ongoing process on IR. The initiatives include LHB coaches with operating speed of 160 Kmph, better riding index, improved aesthetics and safety features like Lightweight design, Anti-telescopic & Anti climbing features, Centre Buffer Coupler, Axle mounted disc brake system etc. as compared to the conventional ICF coaches of the 1960s.

In its constant endeavor to provide faster service and better travel experience to the passengers, IR are introducing Vande Bharat trains and Namo Rapid Rail service, which have modern coaches, enhanced safety features and better amenities. Presently, 136 Vande Bharat services and 2 Namo Rapid Rail services are in operation on the IR network.

IR have also introduced modern State-of the Art fully Non-AC Amrit Bharat trains. These trains have advanced features like Semi-Permanent couplers for jerk free travel, horizontal sliding windows, better aesthetics of Berths with enhanced look & feel on the lines of Vande Bharat Sleeper, improved crashworthiness in coaches, Emergency Talk Back Unit, improved LED Light fitting & Charging Sockets, foldable snack table and bottle holders, mobile holders etc. These trains comprise 12 Sleeper Class Coaches and 8 General Class coaches. Presently, 4 Amrit Bharat services are in operation.

Besides the improvement in rolling stock, the following measures have been taken by IR to upgrade railway tracks:
1. Using modern track components consisting of 60kg, 90 Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) rails, Pre-stressed Concrete Sleeper (PSC) Normal/Wide base sleepers with modern elastic fastenings.
2. Laying of fan-shaped turnout on PSC sleepers with Thick Web Switches and Weldable CMS Crossings.
3. Providing Steel Channel/H-beam Sleepers on girder bridges while carrying out primary track renewals.
4. Using 130m/260m long rail panels for rail renewals to minimize weld- joints.
5. Field-welding by mobile Flash Butt Welding Plant and advanced USFD Testing technique of Rail/ Welds by Phased array technology.
6. Mechanization in Track renewal/ replacement using Track Relaying Trains, Points & Crossing Changing machines, Track laying Equipment etc.
7. Deployment of Integrated Track Monitoring Systems (ITMS) and Oscillation Monitoring System (OMS) for comprehensive health assessment to project optimal maintenance requirements.
8. Induction of advance modern machines for track maintenance i.e., high output tampers, high output Ballast Cleaning Machines and Rail Grinding machines etc.
9. Adopting Self-propelled Ultrasonic Rail Testing Car (SPURT) and Rail Cum Road Vehicle (RCRV) based USFD system for testing of rails/welds.
10. Using web enabled Track Management System (TMS) for integration and data analytics of the track inspection records received through various sources to enable precise maintenance inputs.
As a consequence of above measures, speed potential of 110 kmph has now been improved significantly to about 80,000 km at present which was only about 31,000 km in 2014. In addition, upgradation and improvement of about 23,000 km track has been done from 2014-15 to 2024-25 (up to Feb’25) for speed potential of 130 kmph.

IR strives to provide affordable services to all strata of the society. IR gave a subsidy of Rs. 56,993 crores on passenger tickets in 2022-23. This amounts to concession of 46% on an average, to every person, travelling on Railways. In other words, if the cost of providing service is Rs. 100, then the price of ticket is Rs. 54 only. This subsidy is continuing for all passengers. Further, concessions beyond this subsidy amount are continuing for many categories like 4 categories of Persons with disabilities (Divyangjans), 11 categories of patients and 8 categories of students.

This information was given by the Union Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting and Electronics & Information Technology Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

*****

Dharmendra Tewari/Shatrunjay Kumar

(Release ID: 2118003) Visitor Counter : 42

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –
April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to observational study about screentime, sleep and depression in adolescents

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

April 2, 2025

An observational study published in PLOS Global Mental Health looks at screentime, sleep and depression in adolescents.

Prof Ben Carter, Professor of Medical Statistics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience at King’s College London, said:

“The authors have used a pre-registered and hypothesis testing approach taking data from a previous randomised control trial which included 4810 Swedish adolescents from 55 schools aged 12 to 16. In this well set up secondary analysis where the authors apply causal inference to an observational cohort study, they found that in girls screentime displaced sleep and was associated with increased symptoms of depression over a nine-month period.

“Sleep in the development of adolescents is essential. This study offers biologically plausible data that demonstrates the evidence for widely held views of the impact of displacement of screens and the impact on sleep and symptoms of depression. The authors show that typical screentime in this cohort was in excess of Sweden’s recommended maximum of two to three hours per day. This work supports the introduction of public health leadership and introduction of national recommendations on smartphone use during school evenings for children and adolescents. This would likely lead to collective action to empower parents and help adolescents improve their sleep and prevent daytime sleepiness.

“Weaknesses include that screentime was defined as leisure time on the internet and they were not able to differentiate between the type of screen used and self-reported. The strengths of this work include that the participants were a sample of typical 12- to 16-year-olds from Europe, they applied causal inference with a directed acyclic graph to explain the causal pathways with a pre-registered a priori hypothesis.”

Prof Chris Ferguson, Professor of Psychology, Stetson University, said:

“Overall, I don’t find this article to be an impressive addition to our understanding of screen time. The measures of screen time appear to be self-report, a method known for its unreliability. The questions are crude and not validated, and likely to prompt hypothesis guessing among participants that could result in false positive results. There appear to be no proper statistical controls for theoretically relevant variables such as family environment, which might have explained any correlation. Nonetheless, the results from this study are remarkably weak. There is no correlation between screen time and depression which would seem to be important as findings go, given how much angst there is about that topic. Though billed as “longitudinal” the lag between the first and second time frames is probably too short to be meaningful. Associations between screen time and sleep were weak, overall. In conclusion, the data are correlational, not causal, of weak or (in the case of depression) null effects. Unfortunately, the authors also use causal language, which is inappropriate for any correlation design, including longitudinal, particularly given the lack of appropriate statistical controls. Ultimately, this study tells us very little about adolescent screen time, sleep, depression or anything else. With these limitations, I’d worry about making any firm conclusions which could concern parents or carers about screen use in adolescents without the evidence to back it up.”

‘Adolescents’ screen time displaces multiple sleep pathways and elevates depressive symptoms over twelve months’ by Sebastian Hökby et al. was published in PLOS Global Mental Health at 19:00 UK time April 2^nd April.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pgph.0004262

Declared interests

Prof Ben Carter: No declarations.

Prof Chris Ferguson: No declarations

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Panaderia Salvadorena, Inc. Issues Allergy Alert On Undeclared Milk In Quesadilla De Queso

Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

Summary

Company Announcement Date:
April 02, 2025
FDA Publish Date:
April 02, 2025
Product Type:
Food & BeveragesBakery Product/MixAllergens
Reason for Announcement:

Recall Reason Description
May contain undeclared milk

Company Name:
Panaderia Salvadorena Inc.
Brand Name:

Brand Name(s)
Panaderia/Bakery

Product Description:

Product Description
Quesadilla de Queso bread

Company Announcement
Panaderia Salvadorena Inc., of Providence, RI is recalling its 14-ounce packages of Quesadilla de Queso bread because they contain undeclared milk. People who have allergies to milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
The recalled “Quesadilla de Queso” were distributed in Rhode Island and Massachusetts through direct delivery.
The recalled product comes in a 14-ounce, clear plastic package marked Quesadilla de Queso on the top and with an expiration date of 06/27/2025 or prior.
No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.
The recall was initiated after it was discovered during inspection by the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) that the milk-containing product was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of milk and only listed sour cream and butter. Subsequent investigation indicates the problem was caused by a temporary breakdown in the company’s packaging processes.
Product has been recalled and the company are certain that the problem has been corrected.
Consumers who have purchased 14-ounce packages of “Quesadilla de Queso” are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company Monday-Saturday between hours of 8am-6pm at 401-421-8410.

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
401-421-8410

Media:
Margin Colato (Manager)
401-999-2929

Product Photos

Content current as of:
04/02/2025

Regulated Product(s)

Topic(s)

Follow FDA

MIL OSI USA News –

April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Misokinesia: when repetitive movements are infuriating to some people

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Rebecca Ellis, Assistant Researcher in Public Health, Swansea University

Camila R P/Shutterstock

For some people, the mere sight of someone tapping their foot, twirling their hair or clicking a pen can trigger an intense sense of discomfort, or even rage. This reaction is known as “misokinesia”, a sensitivity to repetitive movements that can make everyday interactions challenging.

It is only a recently explored phenomenon in research. But studies suggest that up to one-third of the population experiences some level of discomfort when confronted with the repetitive movements of other people. These triggers can include things such as another person bounding their leg repeatedly, or biting their nails, fidgeting – even yawning. Misokinesia may affect a person’s job and their personal lives.

Misokinesia produces what has been likened by some as a “fight or flight” response in people living with the condition, with reactions including an increase in blood pressure, adrenaline and heart palpitations. Other physical reactions such as nausea are possible too.

There can also be cognitive reactions, such as a lack of focus or patience, negative or violent thoughts, and feelings of anger and disgust.

It can be person-specific. This means that people who experience misokenisia find some people’s repetitive actions are more triggering than others. This can make it difficult to spend time with particular people comfortably due to their opposing needs. For example, it may be difficult for a person with misokinesia to be around someone who is stimming (employing self-stimulating behaviour such as leg bouncing) for emotional regulation.

Misophonia

Misokinesia is similar to misophonia, which is a strong dislike or hatred of certain sounds, often made by people, such as yawning, breathing or chewing. It can also be person-specific and can affect a person’s day-to-day life, including their ability to regulate their emotions.

Misophonia often co-occurs with anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Misokinesia, however, is entirely visual. While the two conditions can co-occur, they are distinct experiences.

Given that some people with misophonia report experiencing misokinesia too, it suggests a possible shared neurological basis. But research into both conditions remains in its early stages.

The exact causes of misokinesia remain unclear, but it may be due to a combination of neurological, psychological and genetic factors. There is evidence that neurodivergent people, including autistic people and those with ADHD, may be more likely to experience both misokinesia and misophonia.

Read more:
Misophonia – when certain sounds drive you crazy

People with both of these conditions may experience stigma, with other people believing they are overreacting. This can affect whether a person who experiences misokinesia will share their experiences with others. It can also reduce the likelihood that they will seek support.

There is no official diagnosis for misokinesia, nor for misophonia. Discussions are ongoing about whether they should be recognised as clinical conditions, however.

Can misokinesia be managed?

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) may be one way to reduce the effects of both misokinesia and misophonia on a person’s life. CBT can help a person identify their triggers, acknowledge their reactions and learn relaxation techniques to practice in real-life scenarios. Practicing relaxation techniques, can help to manage both the physiological and mental responses to a trigger.

Practical strategies, such as subtly blocking one’s view of the movement, shifting focus to another part of the environment, or explaining triggers to those around them may also help reduce distress.

Rebecca Ellis does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Misokinesia: when repetitive movements are infuriating to some people – https://theconversation.com/misokinesia-when-repetitive-movements-are-infuriating-to-some-people-252056

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Travelling to the U.S.? Here’s what you need to know about the risks and your rights

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Frédéric Dimanche, Professor and Director, Ted Rogers School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Toronto Metropolitan University

Recent reports of European and Canadian tourists being detained at the United States border have many questioning whether travel to the U.S. is safe.

As the Trump administration moves forward with plans for mass deportations, immigration officers have reportedly been encouraged to question travellers, putting many travellers on high alert.

The parallels to the COVID-19 pandemic are notable. During the crisis, media coverage contributed to widespread fear of travel, even after borders reopened and health experts deemed it safe. Today, similar discourse is emerging. But how much of this concern is based on real risk, and how much is driven by heightened media attention?

As experts in tourism and travel, we are here to explain the current risks associated with travelling to the U.S., the rights of travellers if they are stopped at the border and safety tips for those who still choose to make the journey.

What are the risks?

Research has long shown that perceptions of risk impact people’s intentions to travel internationally. These intentions are determined by their levels of travel anxiety and their sense of perceived safety in a certain destination.

Detainment at airports and border crossings is perhaps one of the greatest fears for travellers to the U.S. While the incidents so far have seemed random, many worry about their smart phones being confiscated and social media or emails being checked.

While some of those affected are Americans returning from vacation or business trips, anyone can be stopped, including foreign students with visas, Canadians and Europeans, even with valid documentation.

These fears, along with reports of travellers being delayed at land border crossings, have resulted in a decrease in the number of Canadians crossing the Canada-U.S. border. In February, cross-border vehicle trips hit their lowest levels since the pandemic, with many cancelling reservations or making fewer travel bookings to the U.S. for spring and summer.

Read more:
When Canadian snowbirds don’t flock south, the costs are more than financial

The current situation aligns with research showing that risk perceptions about travel can impact a country’s image as a travel destination, which, in turn, affects whether people want to visit it.

Other concerns relate to local resident negative sentiment. While many Americans are sharing their support of Canada and continuing to head north, there is still concern for how some in the U.S. may react to Canadian travellers.

Recent studies have shown that while Americans see Canadians as friendly, they no longer view Canada as a close ally. Several countries have cautioned their citizens about stricter measures at U.S. points of entry.

Know your rights as a traveller

What rights do travellers have when crossing the border? Very few. While travellers have the right to refuse to answer questions from immigration officers, doing so can result in increased suspicion and being denied entry.

Canadians should be aware that U.S. border officials have broad inspection powers, which can include requesting passwords to digital devices. These powers apply not only at border crossings but also in customs-controlled areas — designated zones in a border crossing area or airport.

Both the Canada Border Services Agency and U.S. Customs and Border Protection have the authority to examine any digital device.

Once at a land border, Canadians are under the exclusive jurisdiction of U.S. laws, not Canadian laws or the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. If questioned, travellers can ask if they are being detained, or if they are free to leave. If they are not free to leave, the agent needs reasonable suspicion to justify the detention.

Tips for reducing risk while traveling

Following customs and immigration laws generally means travellers are unlikely to encounter any issues. However, there are some things that could set off red flags at the border, including staying longer than intended, failing to declare goods to a border officer or not having the proper documentation.

If you intend to travel, be respectful of local customs, even if political perspectives differ. Avoid political messaging on clothing, offensive behaviour or sparking political conversations with locals.

While electronic device searches are rare, it is best to be cautious about the content on your devices, including social media posts and profile, political views and other personal information.

Here is a brief guide to international visitors’ rights. In particular, people should know about how to protect their computers, phones and how to safeguard their data privacy at the U.S. border. The Canadian government also offers advice for travellers to the U.S. regarding privacy issues.

It’s important to stay updated on government travel advisories related to geopolitical conflicts because they are rapidly evolving. Be sure to follow recommended travel precautions, like these ones for the U.S.

‘Antipathy’ to U.S. has real impacts

Reports of increased detainments, stricter border enforcement and heightened security screenings demonstrate that the risk for travellers at the border is real.

These incidents have not only created fear among travellers but have also started to take a toll on the U.S. tourism industry.

Industry analysts announce a significant drop in visitation — down about 15 per cent — and about a 12 per cent drop in revenue due to travellers choosing to boycott the U.S.

Global geopolitical tensions have fuelled growing resentment toward the U.S., with many international travellers choosing not to travel for political and economic reasons.

Read more:
Does cancelling a trip to the U.S. really send a political message, or is it just hurting local tourism?

Canada, on the other hand, could end up benefiting from a tourism perspective. International visitors are opting for Canada as a safer and more affordable alternative than the U.S. for leisure and business travel.

The question now is whether this trend will last. The geopolitical situation has led many around the world to feel antipathetic towards the U.S., and reversing those attitudes will take effort and time.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Travelling to the U.S.? Here’s what you need to know about the risks and your rights – https://theconversation.com/travelling-to-the-u-s-heres-what-you-need-to-know-about-the-risks-and-your-rights-253210

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI USA News: World Autism Awareness Day, 2025

Source: The White House

class=”has-text-align-center”>BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

On World Autism Awareness Day, we recognize the millions of Americans living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Their proud perseverance in overcoming tremendous hurdles is emblematic of the strength and grit that makes America great. The First Lady and I extend our heartfelt appreciation to the families, friends, and communities aiding Americans with ASD as we empower every citizen to take part in and shape our new golden age.

Autism now affects 1 in 36 children in the United States, a staggering increase from the 1980s, when the disorder was found in only 1 to 4 out of every 10,000 individuals. I created the Make America Healthy Again Commission to investigate and address the root causes of our escalating health crisis, with a focus on childhood disorders like autism. As part of this effort, my Administration is prioritizing gold-standard research and increasing transparency to gain new insights to aid those with ASD.

Under my leadership, our great Nation will be stronger than ever before, with opportunities for all Americans to thrive and prosper. Despite challenges, Americans with ASD have made, and will continue to make outstanding contributions for our country and the world.

Early detection is crucial to improving the quality of life of those with ASD, as timely intervention can significantly improve long-term outcomes. Identifying signs of autism at the onset allows parents and healthcare providers to implement therapies and support strategies which can enhance communication and social skills. Loving parents want the best for their children in educational environments and so do we. By supporting our children and their families, we can help them in overcoming challenges during childhood, the most crucial stage of development.

Together, on World Autism Awareness Day, we declare our unending support and wholehearted respect for Americans living with autism. My Administration will empower them to reach their full potential and realize their American Dream.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim April 2, 2025, as World Autism Awareness Day. I call upon all Americans to learn more about the signs of autism to improve early diagnosis, understand the challenges faced by individuals with autism, and find ways to support those with autism and their families.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
first day of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-five, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-ninth.

MIL OSI USA News –

April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Largest Addictions Treatment Centre in Saskatchewan Fully Open for Inpatients
Source: Government of Canada regional news

Released on April 2, 2025

Mental Health and Addictions Minister Lori Carr is pleased to announce that all 60 inpatient treatment spaces are now available at the new addictions treatment centre near Lumsden.

Intake for the second phase of 40 inpatient spaces at the EHN Willowview Recovery Centre started April 1.

“The best help that we can give someone who finds themself struggling with an addiction, is to offer them a path to recovery,” Carr said. “These inpatient treatment spaces are open to residents across our province. Patients will receive holistic, wrap-around addictions treatment for up to 16 weeks to support their recovery journey.”

These 40 inpatient spaces are in addition to the first phase that started at Willowview in January with 20 inpatient beds.

EHN Willowview Recovery Centre is operated by EHN Canada. EHN is a leading addictions treatment provider with decades of experience operating facilities across Canada.

“We are incredibly proud to provide life-changing mental health and addiction treatment to those who need it most,” EHN COO Christina Basedow said. “This milestone represents not only the culmination of dedicated work and partnership, but also a powerful step forward for the province. Saskatchewan continues to demonstrate national leadership by investing boldly in mental health and addiction services, and we are deeply honoured to work alongside the government to bring hope, healing, and recovery to individuals, families, and communities across the province.”

EHN Canada was one of the successful proponents chosen through a competitive Request for Proposals process initiated by the Ministry of Health and the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) seeking addictions treatment services, including intensive outpatient, inpatient treatment and recovery or transitional services.

The agreement to provide the service is between the SHA and EHN Canada.

“The Saskatchewan Health Authority is committed to strengthening mental health and addictions services across the province to ensure timely, appropriate access to care,” Integrated Regina Health Mental Health and Addictions Executive Director Zoe Teed-McKay said. “Individuals who are facing addiction challenges are our friends and family members; they live in our communities. Having all 60 of these addictions treatment spaces now open for in-patient service delivery will enhance existing services, reduce wait times, and help more of those people we care about receive the treatment they need to overcome addictions and live healthy, safe lives in recovery.”

To date, 264 of the 500 new spaces under Saskatchewan’s Action Plan for Mental Health and Addictions are now available to Saskatchewan residents.

This includes:
- 15 inpatient treatment spaces at Muskwa Lake Wellness Camp;
- 15 withdrawal management spaces at Onion Lake Cree Nation;
- 15 inpatient treatment spaces and five withdrawal management spaces at Thorpe Recovery Centre near Lloydminster;
- 26 post-treatment spaces at St. Joseph’s Addiction Recovery Centre in Estevan;
- 32 intensive outpatient treatment spaces through Possibilities Recovery Center in Saskatoon;
- 40 mobile withdrawal management spaces with Medavie in Saskatoon;
- 14 inpatient addictions treatment spaces with Poundmaker’s Lodge in North Battleford; and
- 42 virtual spaces through EHN Canada.
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For more information, contact:

MIL OSI Canada News –
April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Nick Langworthy Introduces Bill to Support the Wellbeing of Family Caregivers

Source: US Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23)

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Nick Langworthy (NY-23) introduced the bipartisan H.R. 2560, the Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act, which would extend funding for programs that provide short-term relief to unpaid caregivers who look after people with disabilities or chronic conditions. Congressman Langworthy is joined by co-lead Rep. Tokuda (D-HI) in introducing this bill. Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced the companion to this bill in the Senate.

“Too often we see family members who are full time caregivers on top of the other responsibilities of life. While this is selfless and heroic work, it is often financially and emotionally taxing on the entire family,” said Congressman Langworthy. “Respite care helps to reduce mental stress and physical health issues that family caregivers may experience, keeping them healthy and families intact.”

Specifically, the bill reauthorizes funding for the Lifespan Respite Care Program through fiscal year 2029. The Lifespan Respite Care Program plays a crucial role in supporting caregivers and enhancing the overall quality of life for individuals with chronic conditions or disabilities, such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. By providing funding opportunities to states and programs, these programs offer caregivers a temporary break from the heavy physical, mental, and financial tolls associate with caregiving that, all too often, go unnoticed. This can, in turn, improve the quality of life for both caregivers and individuals living with chronic illness.

“In rural areas, where access to healthcare and respite services can be very limited, caregivers go above and beyond to provide essential care to loved ones with disabilities and chronic conditions. The Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act provides much-needed support to the unsung heroes of our communities,” said Rep. Tokuda. “I’m proud to join Rep. Langworthy in introducing this bill to ensure caregivers continue to receive the resources and relief they deserve. By reauthorizing this program, we are helping to keep families together, reduce caregiver burnout, and strengthen our rural health safety net.”

This legislation has also received support from thirty-five organizations, including: AARP, Access Ready Inc., ACCSES, Aging Life Care Association, Alzheimer’s Association, ALS Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Association of Caregiving Youth, American Association on Health and Disability, American Music Therapy Association, American Therapeutic Recreation Association, Autism Society of America, Autistic Self Advocacy Network, Autism Speaks, Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, CommunicationFIRST, Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Epilepsy Foundation of America, Generations United Inc., Lakeshore Foundation, National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, National Adult Day Services Association, National Alliance for Caregiving, National Council on Aging, National Down Syndrome Congress, National Federation of Families, National Military Family Association, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, National Respite Coalition, The Arc of the United States, The Sibling Leadership Network, United Spinal Association, United States International Council on Disabilities, USAging, Well Spouse Association.

Christopher Banks, President and CEO of the Autism Society, said that the organization,“supports the reauthorization of the Lifespan Respite Care Act, recognizing it as a crucial step toward ensuring families in the autism community have access to essential respite services. By offering caregivers the opportunity to rest and recharge, this legislation not only honors the tireless efforts of those supporting individuals with autism but also plays a vital role in preventing caregiver burnout. Sustaining access to respite care is fundamental to the well-being of both families and the individuals they care for, ultimately contributing to the creation of stronger, healthier communities for all.”

“Over 11 million Americans are providing unpaid care for loved ones living with Alzheimer’s, providing an estimated 18.4 billion hours of care valued at nearly $350 billion. The bipartisan Lifetime Respite Care Reauthorization Act will provide our nation’s caregivers with necessary relief and support, helping care for these individuals who care for others,”said Robert Egge, AIM president and Alzheimer’s Association chief public policy officer.“Thank you to Reps. Langworthy and Tokuda for introducing this critical bipartisan legislation and supporting America’s caregivers.”

“Respite is a lifeline for millions of family caregivers who provide essential support for loved ones across the country. The Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act of 2025 is a step towards recognizing the critical role caregivers play in our communities and economy, ensuring they have the resources needed to sustain their well-being,”said Jason Resendez, President and CEO, National Alliance for Caregiving.

“Caregivers play an essential role in the lives of many autistic people—often providing around-the-clock support that goes unpaid and under-recognized,” said Keith Wargo, President & CEO of Autism Speaks. “We’re grateful to Representatives Nick Langworthy and Jill Tokuda for championing the reauthorization of the Lifespan Respite Care Program. By offering caregivers a break from the physical, emotional, and financial demands they face, this legislation helps protect their well-being—and, in turn, the well-being of the people they care for.”

“Everyone needs a break sometimes. That is especially true for caregiving. Caregiving can take its toll,”said Alexandra Bennewith, Vice President, Government Relations, United Spinal Association.“The Lifespan Respite Care Program helps ensure we keep caregivers healthy with appropriate rest. United Spinal represents the nation’s 5.5 million wheelchair users who most often require caregivers in order to lead a fuller quality of life. That number is projected to grow and the graying of America is only going to increase the need for this program. Already, 5 million children, those under 18, are serving as caregivers for their parents or grandparents. These numbers are just the tip of the iceberg. We need to give caregivers some space and supports to be able to recuperate before the whole system breaks. Congress should pass and fund the Lifespan Respite Care Reauthorization Act now.”

###

MIL OSI USA News –

April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Legislation considered under suspension of the Rules of the House of Representatives during the week of April 7, 2025
Source: US Congressional Budget Office

The Majority Leader of the House of Representatives announces bills that will be considered under suspension of the rules in that chamber. Under suspension, floor debate is limited, all floor amendments are prohibited, points of order against the bill are waived, and final passage requires a two-thirds majority vote.

At the request of the Majority Leader and the House Committee on the Budget, CBO estimates the effects of those bills on direct spending and revenues. CBO has limited time to review the legislation before consideration. Although it is possible in most cases to determine whether the legislation would affect direct spending or revenues, time may be insufficient to estimate the magnitude of those effects. If CBO has prepared estimates for similar or identical legislation, a more detailed assessment of budgetary effects, including effects on spending subject to appropriation, may be included.

CBO’s estimates of the bills that have been posted for possible consideration under suspension of the rules during the week of April 7, 2025, include:
- H.R. 586, Vietnam Veterans Liver Fluke Cancer Study Act, as amended
- H.R. 877, Deliver for Veterans Act, as amended
- H.R. 970, Fairness for Servicemembers and their Families Act of 2025
- H.R. 981, VETT Act
- H.R. 983, Montgomery GI Bill Selected Reserves Tuition Fairness Act of 2025
- H.R. 1039, Clear Communication for Veterans Claims Act, as amended
- H.R. 1228, Prioritizing Veterans’ Survivors Act
- H.R. 1912, Veteran Fraud Reimbursement Act of 2025
- H. Con. Res. 9, Authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers Memorial Service and the National Honor Guard and Pipe Band Exhibition
MIL OSI USA News –
April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Tony’s Chocolonely Recalls Two Chocolate Products Because They May Contain Small Stones

Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

Summary

Company Announcement Date:
April 01, 2025
FDA Publish Date:
April 02, 2025
Product Type:
Food & Beverages
Reason for Announcement:

Recall Reason Description
Potential presence of small stones

Company Name:
Tony’s Chocolonely Inc.
Brand Name:

Brand Name(s)
Tony’s Chocolonely Inc.

Product Description:

Product Description
Dark Chocolate Almond Sea Salt Bar and Everything Bar

Company Announcement
Tony’s Chocolonely Inc., a New York, New York Corporation, is voluntarily recalling seven lots of Tony’s brand Dark Almond Sea Salt Bar (6.35oz); and Everything Bar (6.35oz) because the product may contain small stones.
The products were distributed nationwide and sold in the United States via retail stores and www.tonyschocolonely.com; distribution of the products began February 7, 2025 and ended March 24, 2025.
The recalled products have the following SKU and lot codes:

Product Description

Weight

Lot code

Best Before / Best By Date

UPC

Tony’s Chocolonely Everything Bar

180g / 6.35 oz

4327

22-Nov-25

850011828564

4330

25-Nov-25

850011828564

4331

26-Nov-25

850011828564

M4331

26-Nov-25

850032676441

Tony’s Chocolonely Dark Chocolate Almond Sea Salt

180g / 6.35 oz

163094

2-Apr-26

858010005641

162634

28-Feb-26

858010005641

M162634

28-Feb-26

850011828908

No other lot codes are included in this recall. No other Tony’s products are affected.
The recall was initiated following 12 reports of consumers finding small stones in the product not filtered during third-party almond harvesting and the almond processing process. All complaints occurred outside of the United States and Canada, and no injuries were reported.
If you have purchased one of the affected products with the specified lot codes and have not yet consumed it, you are advised not to eat the product. Please return the product to the store of purchase for a refund or replacement or dispose of the product. Please consult the following webpage to confirm how to identify the lot code and claim a refund or replacement in your market: https://us.tonyschocolonely.com/pages/recall-fo-intl-0325
Company Contact Information for Consumers:Tony’s Chocolonely USA+1 (503)-388-5990
News media who have questions should contact:Email: tonys@ledecompany.comPhone Number: 267-884-5801

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
Tony’s Chocolonely USA
+1 (503)-388-5990

Product Photos

Content current as of:
04/02/2025

Regulated Product(s)

Follow FDA

MIL OSI USA News –

April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Saskatchewan Improves Cancer Care by Enhancing Oncology Drug Formulary

Source: Government of Canada regional news

Released on April 2, 2025

Saskatchewan is improving patient care by approving 13 additional uses for existing drugs and adding 2 new drugs to the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency’s oncology drug formulary.

The new drugs have been recommended by Canada’s Drug Agency Pan-Canadian Oncology Drug Review, negotiated through the pan-Canadian Pharmaceutical Alliance and will be available later this spring. Each drug was reviewed for efficacy and deemed to be of high quality. The addition of these oncology drugs will benefit more than 450 Saskatchewan residents who are undergoing cancer care in the province.

“When new treatments are available and proven to be effective, we want to make them accessible to Saskatchewan residents,” Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill said. “We have increased funding for cancer care and treatment because we want patients to get the best possible care when they need it.”

The Government of Saskatchewan’s 2025-26 Provincial Budget is providing $279 million to the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, an increase of $30 million, or 12.2 per cent, over 2024-25 to ensure Saskatchewan patients have access to the most current and effective oncology drugs, therapies and treatment options.

“Adding these new drugs to the formulary ensures we continue to give the best treatment possible to our patients, providing more treatment options for our patients,” Saskatchewan Cancer Agency President and CEO Deb Bulych said.

The drugs being added to the oncology formulary, or having their use expanded, will treat a range of cancers, such as: leukemia, lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer and others. The Saskatchewan Cancer Agency will be primarily responsible for the administration of these therapies.

-30-

For more information, contact:

MIL OSI Canada News –

April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to study suggesting shingles vaccine (Zostavax) associated with lower risk of dementia

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

April 2, 2025

A study published in Nature looks at the effect of the shingles vaccine (Zostvax) on dementia risk.

Comments provided by our friends at the Australian Science Media Centre:

Dr Joseph Doyle, Professor of Infectious Diseases at Monash University and President of the Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases, said:

“The paper [by Eyting and colleagues in Nature] presents results of a natural experiment in Wales, United Kingdom, on the effect of shingles vaccination on new diagnosis of dementia. The study observed that older adults appeared to have less chance of dementia diagnosis in the seven years after receiving live-attenuated shingles vaccination (Zostavax). The authors estimate there were 3.5% fewer dementia diagnoses among people who received the live-attenuated shingles vaccine.

“This study had an observational design, so we need to be cautious in assuming the vaccine itself caused this decline in dementia diagnoses. It is plausible that episodes of infection, immune system changes, or health care engagement are among the factors behind this association, but further research is needed to help determine whether there is a causal link.

“Importantly, we don’t know whether these findings apply to both the live-attenuated shingles vaccine (Zostavax) used in their study and the newer recombinant subunit shingles vaccine (Shingrix) now used widely in Australia.

“Australia approved and subsidised Shingrix on the National Immunization Program in 2023. This newer shingles vaccine is available for older adults and is safer for people who are immunocompromised.

“While we do not know whether the newer shingles vaccine used locally has the same association with less dementia yet, we do know the shingles vaccine provided free in Australia is very effective and protective against episodes of shingles.

“Older adults and people with weak immune systems at higher risk of shingles are encouraged to see their doctor to talk more about vaccination.”

Professor Anthony Hannan, Group Head of the Epigenetics and Neural Plasticity Group at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, said:

“This new research article in Nature adds to the evidence that the nervous system and immune system closely interact, and that this has implications for dementia risk, as well as potentially new approaches to dementia prevention and treatment. Furthermore, it provides evidence that vaccination has the potential to impact positively on human health, beyond the particular disease that the vaccine was intended to prevent.

“A key question, not answered by this new study, is how the shingles (herpes zoster) vaccine may have helped protect (reducing risk by 20%) against dementia. We now know that, despite the blood-brain barrier, the brain has its own immune cells, which serve many roles including removal of specific toxic molecules that accumulate with age (particularly in the most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease).

“It is possible that the vaccine had direct effects on these brain immune cells, but it is also possible that the vaccine acted indirectly, for example, by slowing brain aging and/or enhancing brain resilience to the ravages of age. The next step is to work out exactly how this vaccine exerts its protective effects against dementia and to use that information to develop new ways to prevent and treat dementia. It also increases the likelihood that in future there may be specific vaccination programs whose primary aim is to prevent dementia.”

Dr Henry Brodaty, Scientia Professor of Ageing and Mental Health and Co-Director of the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing at the University of New South Wales, said:

“They examined the effect of a live virus to prevent shingles administered to people aged 79 to 80. The researchers took advantage of a decision in Wales that 79-80-year-olds born before 2nd September 1933 were ineligible for life to receive the shingles vaccine, whereas those born on or after that day were eligible for at least one year to receive the vaccine. There were 16,595 adults who had become eligible for the vaccine from a total sample of 282,541 adults in the sample.

“They compared people who were one week too old with those who were one week younger. Those who received the vaccine had an absolute reduction of 7% of developing dementia over the next seven years. Compared to those who were unvaccinated, their risk of dementia was 20% lower. The benefits were stronger for women than men.

“The authors examined multiple competing hypotheses to explain the results. There were no differences in dementia diagnoses for those who had and had not received influenza vaccines. Other possible explanations were also discounted. The authors considered the possible mechanism maybe preventing the reactivation of the shingles of the herpes varicella virus. The authors confirmed their findings in a different population by combining a different type of data from England and Wales and using deaths certified as being due to dementia.

“Limitations include that these results only pertained to 79-80-year-olds in Wales and to the use of the live vaccine.

“There has been evidence for some time that older people who receive their vaccinations in general are less likely to develop dementia. This is the best evidence yet to show this. Future research will determine whether the newer non-live virus, Shingrix will provide the same benefit and whether immunisation at younger ages may be just as effective.”

‘A natural experiment on the effect of herpes zoster vaccination on dementia’ by Markus Eyting et al. was published in Nature at 16:00 UK time on Wednesday 2 April 2025.

DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-08800-x

Declared interests

Professor Anthony Hannan: No COI’s.

Dr Henry Brodaty: is or has been an advisory board member or consultant to Biogen, Eisai, Eli Lilly, Medicines Australia, Roche and Skin2Neuron. He has received funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC).

Prof Joseph Doyle: is a board member of the Australian Society for Infectious Diseases and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee. The views expressed here are personal opinions and are not necessarily those of his employers or professional bodies.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Blood pressure patterns in early pregnancy tied to hypertension risk up to 14 years later

Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 2

Media Advisory
Wednesday, April 2, 2025

NIH-supported study reveals new risk group for future high blood pressure, heart disease.
What
Blood pressure patterns observed in the first half of pregnancy, even among women without hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), can identify women at greater risk of developing hypertension up to 14 years after giving birth. The new findings are from a large observational study supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
High blood pressure is a risk factor for heart disease, the leading cause of death. This study identified a new, previously undefined risk group of postpartum women who are not currently recognized as being at high risk for future hypertension and cardiovascular disease because they did not develop HDP during pregnancy. HDP includes serious complications such as preeclampsia and gestational hypertension during pregnancy and are known to increase the risk of heart disease later in life. When the history of HDP was combined with women’s early pregnancy blood pressure patterns, these data together provide a new and improved tool for risk assessment.
The study followed 174,774 women who received prenatal care at Kaiser Permanente Northern California between 2009 and 2019. None of these women had hypertension, kidney, liver, or heart disease, or a history of preeclampsia before pregnancy. Researchers tracked their health records up to 14 years after delivery to identify new cases of hypertension.
The research found that women who showed certain blood pressure patterns during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy were more likely to develop hypertension later in life. Six distinct risk groups of blood pressure trajectory were identified, ranging from ultra-low to elevated-stable patterns. Women with elevated-stable blood pressure patterns were at the highest risk.
This study shows that blood pressure trajectories during early pregnancy can stratify this risk, even for women without HDP. By identifying women at higher risk, healthcare providers can offer targeted surveillance and early interventions, potentially preventing future heart problems.
Detailed Results:

The study showed that these blood pressure patterns could differentiate risk levels among women with and without HDP.
Among groups of women who did not develop HDP, those with higher risk blood pressure patterns — including elevated-stable patterns — during early pregnancy were still 11 times more likely to develop hypertension years later than those women with less risky blood pressure patterns.

Researchers suggest that this previously unrecognized risk group may warrant closer monitoring after pregnancy. Additionally, they suggest that early pregnancy blood pressure trajectories may improve predictions of cardiovascular disease risk in women. The findings appeared in the journal Hypertension.
The study was supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), part of the NIH, through R01 HL145808 and R01 HL145808-02S1.
Who
Health experts from NIH’s National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute are available to discuss these findings.
About the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI): NHLBI is the global leader in conducting and supporting research in heart, lung, and blood diseases and sleep disorders that advances scientific knowledge, improves public health, and saves lives. For more information, visit www.nhlbi.nih.gov.
About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.
NIH…Turning Discovery Into Health®

Study
Gunderson, EP, et al., Early Pregnancy Blood Pressure Trajectories and Hypertension Years After Pregnancy. Hypertension. 2025; DOI: 10.1161/HYPERTENSIONAHA.125.24649

###

MIL OSI USA News –

April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: New operating theatres for Canberra Hospital
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The new theatres are equipped with a range of advanced features aimed at revolutionising surgical practices in the ACT.
The ACT Government has unveiled the 22 new operating theatres in Canberra Hospital’s Critical Services Building.

The new building is on track to open later this year.

As well as the new theatres, the Critical Services Building will include a bigger emergency department, expanded intensive care unit and new inpatient wards.

The theatres are equipped with a range of advanced features aimed at revolutionising surgical practices in the ACT.

These include:
- an Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (iMRI) Suite, providing surgeons with real-time images of the brain during procedures
- three hybrid theatres equipped with cutting-edge angiography and CT angiography systems to support a variety of vascular surgeries and guided procedures
- two Interventional Radiography Suites, relocated from Building 12 to the Critical Services Building, offering a comprehensive range of diagnostic and interventional services
- 16 digital operating theatres.
Access to the latest technology will improve image quality and resolution in the hospital’s operating theatres.

This will lead to more precise diagnoses and improved patient outcomes.

The new hospital building will significantly improve patient flow and experience, according to Dr Lance Lasersohn, Clinical Director of Anaesthetics for Canberra Health Services.

“I’m excited about the technology’s co-location with angiography and the new technologies that will be available in the new building, which will make work more exciting for the workforce and enable the hospital to accommodate more patients.”

The theatres are located on level 3 of the Critical Services Building, within the Perioperative Unit, which also features:
- two spacious waiting areas
- a Day Surgery Unit with 40 beds for admissions and post-operative care
- a recovery area
- a discharge lounge.
Staffing within the Perioperative Unit will be expanded to manage the operation of the new theatres and improve patient flow.

Recruitment efforts are currently underway, with Canberra Health Services implementing a range of strategies and initiatives aimed at targeting and attracting healthcare workers to the ACT.

The operating theatres are connected to the Sterilising Services Unit via dedicated lifts. This improves efficiency by facilitating the swift transfer of instruments between clean and dirty areas.

A Patient Transfer Link bridge has also been added to the Critical Services Building. This provides a private clinical connection between the new and existing hospital buildings. It enhances hospital efficiency and patient privacy by separating clinical pathways from public areas.

^{One of the new operating theatres}

^{Recovery bays}

^{Recovery bays}

^{Children’s waiting area in the Perioperative Unit}

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MIL OSI News –
April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Embracing the ASbA option

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Young Canberran Poppy Chalmers is now working as a training and business administration officer.

A desire to work in health care has seen Poppy Chalmers embrace success via an Australian School-based Apprenticeship (ASbA).

Poppy’s story is like many who choose a Vocational Education and Training pathway.

She knew she didn’t want the university pathway but felt unsure which direction to take.

In 2022, she started an Australian School-based Apprenticeship program with Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA).

The next year, she was named ACT Australian School-based Apprentice of the Year at the 2023 ACT Training Awards.

She then went on to be a finalist at the 2023 Australian Training Awards.

These awards recognise students’ commitment to formal studies at school and in the workplace.

A VET pathway

Poppy had previously taken on leadership roles at school. She was selected as a Year 6 leader in 2017 and as a Year 10 Indigenous Leader in 2021.

“I am a natural leader and see myself in a leadership position. I have a lot of ideas. I’m not sure where I want to end up, but I know I have what it takes to get there,” Poppy said.

She completed a Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance under a new program in the ACT called the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Academy.

“I didn’t particularly like school, it wasn’t something that I enjoyed. One of my friends got an ASbA in childcare and I thought that was cool, so I did a placement where she worked, and they offered me an ASbA,” Poppy said.

Moving into health care

“Though my school supported me to do the ASbA in childcare, I had always been interested in working in the health industry so when an Auntie from the Community reached out with an opportunity to do an ASbA in Allied Health through an Aboriginal company, I applied and was successful.

“I wanted to be a nurse, my Auntie was a nurse, I had spent a lot of time in hospitals because my sister has cystic fibrosis. I even went to school at the hospital. I saw the positive impact that nurses, doctors, and the hospital had on us all,” Poppy said.

Through the ASbA, Poppy got to experience what nursing and working in a hospital is all about and what is out there in terms of a future job in Allied Health. She is now employed as a training and business administration officer for Indigenous Allied Health Australia.

Poppy says applying for the ASbA was seamless, with support available if she needed it.

“The ASbA process showed me that there are so many other pathways to get to where I want to go. Doing this I saw that I can work in health without having to go to uni. I finished the Certificate III and was offered a job at the hospital as a social work assistant straight away,” she said.

The path ahead

Poppy graduated from college in 2023. She says the ASbA has given her self-confidence and redefined her idea of success.

“The ASbA has given me a lot of direction, opportunity and such a great community. When I was younger, I wanted to be a nurse but now I’m not sure because I have so many opportunities. I’ve been told I can do anything I want. You work with what you have and take every opportunity you get,” she said.

“I’m not ready for uni yet. I want to do a Cert IV in Business.

“Success is not where you get to, it is how you got there, the path you took, what you learned and did. Success for me is to experience everything I get to do. I would have a goal, but I would focus on the journey,” Poppy said.

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MIL OSI News –

April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI: Orocidin’s QR-01 Shows Positive Results in Treating Periodontitis in Dogs

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

BEVERLY HILLS, California, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orocidin A/S (“Orocidin”), a subsidiary of Nordicus Partners Corporation (OTCQB: NORD) (“Nordicus” or the “Company”), a financial consulting company specializing in supporting Nordic and U.S. life sciences companies in establishing themselves in the U.S. market, today announced positive efficacy results for its lead periodontitis candidate, QR-01, in a preclinical study involving dogs diagnosed with periodontitis.

The 13-day small efficacy study was conducted on beagle dogs with clinically confirmed periodontitis. and demonstrated consistent improvements across key clinical endpoints, including the Gingival Index, the Plaque Index and overall periodontal Disease. The animals were fasted for a minimum of 8 hours prior to assessment of the efficacy.

Importantly, QR-01 was well tolerated, with no adverse side effects reported throughout the treatment period.

“I am pleased to report that all dogs in the study showed encouraging and consistent responses to the treatment. This represents a significant milestone for Orocidin’s lead product, QR-01 and strengthens our confidence as we prepare for the upcoming human pilot efficacy study, planned to begin by the end of 2025,” said Allan Wehnert, CEO & Founder of Orocidin.

For further information, contact:
Mr. Henrik Rouf
Chief Executive Officer
hr@nordicuspartners.com
Tel +1 310 666 0750

About Orocidin

Orocidin’s mission is to develop the preferred treatment against aggressive periodontitis. Our innovative therapeutic agent, QR-01, distinguishes itself through its unique ability to provide treatment of both inflammation and bacterial infection.

About Nordicus Partners Corporation

Nordicus Partners Corporation is the only U.S. publicly traded business accelerator and holding company for Nordic life sciences companies. Leveraging decades of combined management experience in domestic and global corporate sectors, Nordicus excels in corporate finance activities including business and market development, growth strategies, talent acquisition, partnership building, capital raising, and facilitating company acquisitions and sales. In 2024, Nordicus acquired 100% of Orocidin A/S, a Danish preclinical-stage biotech company developing next-generation therapies for periodontitis and 100% of Bio-Convert ApS, a Danish preclinical-stage biotech company dedicated to revolutionizing the treatment of oral leukoplakia. For more information about Nordicus, please visit: www.nordicuspartners.com, and follow us on LinkedIn, X, Threads and BlueSky.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. You can identify these statements by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue” or “believe” or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. You should read statements that contain these words carefully because they discuss our plans, strategies, prospects and expectations concerning our business, operating results, financial condition and other similar matters. We believe that it is important to communicate our future expectations to our investors. There may be events in the future, however, that we are not able to predict accurately or control. Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release speaks only as of the date on which we make it. Factors or events that could cause our actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for us to predict all of them. We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

The MIL Network –

April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Representatives Goldman, Crockett Introduce Abortion Care Awareness Act to Combat Anti-Abortion Misinformation

Source: US Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10)

Legislation Ensures Women Have Access to Accurate Information About Abortion Services and Where to Obtain Them

Goldman’s Bill Will Specifically Combat Misinformation about Medication Abortion, the Most Common Abortion Used in Telehealth Abortions

Read the Bill Here

Washington, DC – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) and Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett (TX-30) today re-introduced the ‘Abortion Care Awareness Act,’ which would increase access to medically accurate information about abortion, including medication abortion. Additionally, this bill would ensure people have access to accurate information about where and how to obtain abortion services across the country, how to avoid anti-abortion centers intended to deceive patients, and how to identify misinformation about abortion care.

For women residing in states with abortion bans, telehealth appointments and medication abortion have emerged as among the only ways they can receive reproductive health care in their jurisdiction. This bill comes as states with abortion bans in place have increasingly cracked down on these services, most recently charging a New York telemedicine provider who was protected by the state’s shield laws, which protects abortion and reproductive health care providers from lawsuits relating to providing medication abortions to out-of-state patients.

“As abortion rights face relentless attacks at every level of government, women across the country are being inundated with a maze of laws and false and misleading information about their reproductive healthcare options,” Congressman Dan Goldman said. “I’m proud to reintroduce the Abortion Care Awareness Act to ensure every woman has access to accurate, trusted information about their rights and available care. No woman should be deceived by bad actors seeking to interfere with her personal medical decisions.”

Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett said, “Women across the country, but especially in abortion restrictive states like my state of Texas, have been the targets to mis- and dis-information campaign at the hands of far-right anti-abortion groups. Women should be able to have quick access to know their rights and be provided accurate the type of care available to them to then make their very personal decision of what to do with their bodies. That is why I am proud to reintroduce the Abortion Care Awareness Act of 2025 to protect women’s right to decide with medically accurate and complete information about abortion.”

The ‘Abortion Care Awareness Act’ would direct the Secretary of Health and Human Services to carry out a coordinated national public health education, awareness, and outreach campaign to provide accurate information regarding where and how to access abortion care, the right to travel across state lines and utilize telemedicine to access abortion care, how to identify misinformation about abortion, and more. The campaign would be designed in consultation with health care professionals, nonprofit reproductive rights and justice organizations, state and local health departments, and other experts.

The bill would also include information on how to identify and avoid crisis pregnancy centers which market themselves as abortion clinics or comprehensive reproductive health care providers to women in vulnerable and emotionally fragile positions, intentionally targeting low-income communities and communities of color. Once under their care, these centers use aggressive rhetoric and manipulative means to coerce them into carrying their pregnancies to full term, jeopardizing their health, well-being, and trust in health care providers.

According to the University of Georgia’s Crisis Pregnancy Center Map, there are 10 crisis pregnancy centers in New York City alone, outnumbering the number of Planned Parenthood locations in the city.

Congressman Dan Goldman is committed to protecting abortion access across the country and combatting abortion misinformation.

In March 2024, the Congressman cosponsored the ‘Stop Anti-Abortion Disinformation (SAD) Act’ to stop crisis pregnancy centers organizations from using deceptive advertisements claiming to offer reproductive health care. The SAD Act would direct the Federal Trade Commission to prohibit unfair or deceptive advertising related to the provisions of abortion services and authorize the FTC to enforce these rules and collect penalties from organizations in violation.

In March 2023, the Congressman cosponsored the ‘Women’s Health Protection Act,’ which establishes a federal right for healthcare professionals to provide abortion care and the right for their patients to receive care, free from bans and medically unnecessary restrictions that single out abortion care. The ‘Women’s Health Protection Act’ codifies and expands upon the rights established in Roe v. Wade.

###

MIL OSI USA News –

April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI: WTW’s Towers Watson announces new Health, Wealth & Career leadership appointments
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
- Imran Qureshi succeeds retiring Marco Boschetti as Global Retirement Leader
- Emory Todd succeeds Qureshi as Integrated & Global Solutions Leader, globally
- Michelle Acciavatti succeeds Todd as North America Health, Wealth & Career Leader
- Additionally, Rick Sherwood succeeds Acciavatti as Midwest Leader across WTW.
NEW YORK, April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WTW, a leading global advisory, broking and solutions company (NASDAQ: WTW), has today announced new appointments on its Health, Wealth & Career (HWC) leadership team following the retirement of Marco Boschetti as Global Leader of Retirement.

Imran Qureshi will take over from Boschetti as Retirement business leader on April 2. Emory Todd will succeed Qureshi as the Integrated & Global Solutions (IGS) business leader and Michelle Acciavatti will replace Todd as North America HWC Leader.

Qureshi brings more than 25 years of client and leadership experience to the Retirement business. With an actuarial background and extensive multinational work, he understands the environment and opportunities for organizations in the retirement space. Qureshi will continue to hold his role as WTW’s North America geography leader and sit on the company’s executive team.

Todd, who has also been with WTW for more than 25 years, has held consultancy and leadership roles in the Work & Rewards business, served as the HWC growth leader for North America and led the company’s U.S. West region. He will bring his deep knowledge of client issues and his natural ability to make connections across HWC businesses to the IGS leadership position.

Acciavatti, who is an actuary and has been with WTW for more than 30 years, has held client relationship manager and leadership roles, most recently as WTW’s Midwest Region Leader. As North America HWC Leader, Acciavatti will be responsible for driving revenue growth across the geography, bringing new solutions to market and ensuring clients benefit from the full value of HWC insights and offerings.

Rick Sherwood will succeed Acciavatti as WTW’s Midwest Region leader alongside his role as North America leader of the IGS business. Sherwood will bring his track record of growing client relationships to his dual role where he will support both market growth in the Midwest and growth of the IGS business in North America.

Qureshi, Todd and Acciavatti are based in the U.S. and will all serve on the HWC Global Leadership team, reporting to Julie Gebauer, President of Health, Wealth & Career.

“We are grateful to Marco for leading the Retirement business into a new era that combines DB and DC services. We’ll see his legacy of integrity and intelligence in our clients’ success and colleagues’ careers for years to come,” said Gebauer. “And we are delighted to have Imran, Emory, Michelle and Rick extend their natural leadership skills, deep experience and visions for what is next to their new roles.”

About WTW

At WTW (NASDAQ: WTW), we provide data-driven, insight-led solutions in the areas of people, risk and capital. Leveraging the global view and local expertise of our colleagues serving 140 countries and markets, we help organizations sharpen their strategy, enhance organizational resilience, motivate their workforce and maximize performance.

Working shoulder to shoulder with our clients, we uncover opportunities for sustainable success—and provide perspective that moves you.

Media contact

Ileana Feoli: +1 212 309 5504
Ileana.feoli@wtwco.com

Jamie Kilduff: +44 20 7170 3746
Jamie.kilduff@wtwco.com

The MIL Network –
April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: EU funds 149 doctoral programmes in research and innovation
Source: European Union 2

The European Commission will support 149 doctoral programmes to train and develop the skills of over 1800 doctoral candidates.

The European Commission has announced the results of the 2024 Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Doctoral Networks call.

The Commission will fund a total of 149 excellent doctoral programmes with €608.6 million to train over 1800 doctoral candidates in and outside academia.

€536.9 million will be awarded to 133 standard Doctoral programmes, to train PhD candidates and develop their skills.

Funding includes also €26 million for 8 Industrial Doctoral programmes to train PhD candidates and develop their skills outside academia, including in industry and business. Doctoral candidates will also benefit from joint industry-academia supervision.

An additional €33 million will be allocated to 8 Joint Doctoral programmes, which promote joint selection, training and supervision leading to joint or multiple doctoral degrees.

The European Research Executive Agency (REA) received 1,417 applications for this call. This means a success rate of 10.6 %.

Close collaboration beyond academia

These doctoral programmes are implemented by international partnerships, involving 9335 organisations in 130 countries in the EU, Horizon Europe associated countries and beyond. 4725 of these are private for-profit entities.

Selected projects are coordinated by organisations in 18 countries.
A list with all funded projects and coordinating organisations is available in CIRCABC. Please note that this list reflects the results of the evaluation before the Grant Agreement Preparation and formal selection decision.

Frontier research in all fields

Selected projects will promote research in fields such as

advanced strategies towards energy-neutral wastewater treatment

bringing rehabilitation robots to clinical practice or quantum-inspired

climate-aware approaches to real estate value and valuation

Industrial Doctorates will train doctoral candidates in areas such as

the use of artificial intelligence in Parkinson’s disease

the development of autonomous robots that are able to comply with social conventions and expectations

photocatalytic industrial applications

Joint Doctorates will develop programmes focusing for example on

building capacity for healthy adaptation to pregnancy, postpartum and parenthood

privacy for smart speech technology

on how to deal with challenges related to migration

The projects selected are in the following broad fields.

An overview of the evaluation results, cut-off scores and statistics has been published on the MSCA Doctoral Networks 2024 call page.

Once the grant agreements are finalised, the complete list of funded projects will be published on the MSCA Doctoral Networks 2024 call page and on CORDIS.

Next steps for successful applicants

The European Research Executive Agency sent out letters on the results of the evaluation to inform applicants of the outcome of the selection. Applicants should be able to access the results of the evaluation in their personal area of the Funding and Tenders Opportunities Portal.

The letter sent out to the successful applicants contains all the instructions about the next steps to prepare the grant agreement with the agency.

The first projects will start at the earliest in summer 2025. Projects on the reserve list may be contacted once all the grants have been signed.

Next funding round and information day

The next call for MSCA Doctoral Networks will open on 28 May 2025.

An information day will take place on 24 June 2025.

In the meantime, you may find more information on our how to apply page.

About the MSCA Doctoral Networks programme

MSCA Doctoral Networks implement doctoral programmes by partnerships of organisations from different sectors across Europe and beyond. They train highly skilled doctoral candidates, stimulate their creativity, enhance their innovation capacities and boost their employability in the long term.

More information
MIL OSI Europe News –
April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: expert reaction to SACN statement on the WHO guideline on non-sugar sweeteners

Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

April 2, 2025

Scientists comment on a SACN statement on the WHO’s guideline on non-sugar sweeteners (NSS).

Dr Havovi Chichger, Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Science, Anglia Ruskin University, said:

“The SACN recommendations published in their position statement this morning are highly appropriate given the WHO report and research findings in the field. The committee recommends that children not be given drinks containing non-nutritive sweeteners and that adults work towards a sweetener-free diet. Although the use of non-nutritive sweeteners is an important tool to reduce sugar overconsumption, and the related negative health effects, we now understand that these sweet additives can pose various health risks on the public. It might seem contradictory, but studies have shown that all commercially-available sweeteners are associated with the development of obesity and diabetes, potentially through a metabolic disruption pathway (Bonnet 2018; McLay-Cooke 2016; Stamataki 2020). The SACN position statement also recommends that the government monitor the amount of non-nutritive sweeteners in the UK diet and encourage the food and drink industry to clearly communicate the amount of sweeteners within labelling. These recommendations are based on an in-depth review of studies in the field however these studies do not always specify which sweeteners were consumed. There are also confounding factors to be considered, for example, the studies show a link between sweetener consumption and negative health outcomes which could be due to underlying and undetected health conditions rather than the sweetener itself. As such, there is a real need for large-scale studies in the field to understand the direct causative effect of non-nutritive sweeteners on human health.”

Prof Naveed Sattar, Professor of Cardiometabolic Medicine/Honorary Consultant, University of Glasgow, said:

“I think this is a very balanced statement. SACN have accepted that the best quality evidence available (i.e. randomised trials) show that non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) lower weight albeit modestly as compared to taking sugar rich drinks and that other types of evidence which suggest some harm from NSS are unreliable. I fully agree and would rather people take low calorie drinks with artificial sweeteners every time than sugar rich drinks both for weight and dental benefits and potentially other gains. However, SACN also correctly points out that until we have more evidence in the future on benefits and safety of NSS, it would be best to limit the intake of all such sweetened (including NSS) drinks in early childhood so that children become accustomed to drinking unsweetened drinks, preferably water. A sensible and mature summary of a complex set of data.”

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/sacn-statement-on-the-who-guideline-on-non-sugar-sweeteners/sacn-statement-on-the-who-guideline-on-non-sugar-sweeteners-summary#sacns-assessment

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67ea97b3ea9f8afd8105627d/sacn-position-statement-on-non-sugar-sweeteners.pdf

Declared interests

Dr Havovi Chichger: “Prof Chichger has no conflict of interest or other in this review.”

Prof Naveed Sattar: “Only that I often drink diluting juice with NSS.”

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Put a finger down if TikTok has made you think you have ADHD

Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Vasileia Karasavva, PhD student, Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects around five to nine per cent of children and around five per cent of adults in Canada. (Shutterstock)

Young adults love TikTok. In 2024, the app had nearly 2.5 billion active users, 60 per cent of them under 35 years old. Increasingly, young people are turning to TikTok for advice and information on a range of topics and issues, and that includes mental health information to guide their health-care decisions.

Among those topics is attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Content about ADHD is thriving on TikTok, with videos using related hashtags garnering tens of billions of views.

However, navigating and accessing reliable health-care information online can be challenging, especially for people from marginalized communities who often feel like their concerns are dismissed or minimized.

At the University of British Columbia’s Promoting Equitable, Affirming Relationships Lab, we are exploring whether that’s more helpful or harmful.

What is ADHD?

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects around five to nine per cent of children and around five per cent of adults in Canada.

Common ADHD symptoms include difficulties with inattention (trouble focusing, losing things or making mistakes), hyperactivity (fidgeting or restlessness) and impulsivity (interrupting others or struggling with patience).

There is no single way to have ADHD, and one person’s experiences can be very different from some one else. Diagnosis involves a thorough and fairly long evaluation, often including interviews, questionnaires and reports from family members, teachers or co-workers.

Content about ADHD is thriving on TikTok, however, navigating and accessing reliable health-care information online can be challenging.
(Shutterstock)

ADHD on TikTok

Many adults with ADHD who don’t fit the archetype of a young boy with hyperactivity can often be left undiagnosed and struggle with their symptoms. TikTok offers a space where people from all backgrounds and walks of life can share their experiences, find community and discuss how ADHD manifests for them and how they manage it.

At the same time, short and engaging content is TikTok’s bread and butter. Creators who want to go viral are incentivized to make bold claims.

For example, procrastination can be a sign of ADHD. However, while procrastination is more common in people with ADHD, it is also something that occurs in other mental health conditions like depression, and is something that everyone does at least a little bit from time to time.

But on TikTok, procrastination might be framed as a clear-cut sign of ADHD, making viewers question whether they have it. Some creators also present exaggerated actions that are funny, like walking into things, as being among ADHD symptoms, when clumsy walking is not something that usually happens to people with ADHD.

ADHD content on TikTok

In our recently published study, we had two clinical psychologists who research and treat ADHD watch the top 100 most popular #ADHD TikToks. They looked at how accurate the information was, according to professional standards, and how helpful they found the videos in teaching people about ADHD.

Many of the videos were incredibly popular, averaging more than half a million views and almost 100,000 likes.

However, we found that 94 per cent of these videos didn’t cite any reliable sources. This tracks with the fact that more than half of the claims made in the videos were not backed up by science and did not match the official diagnostic criteria of ADHD, according to the psychologists who evaluated them.

Even more concerning, many of the videos were trying to sell something or asking for money through Venmo or Amazon Wishlists.

How does ADHD content affect TikTok users?

Next, we wanted to understand how these videos impact viewers. We recruited 843 undergrads between the ages of 18 and 25 with varying experiences with ADHD (professionally diagnosed, self-diagnosed, or did not have ADHD). Participants watched the videos that the psychologists had rated as the top five and bottom five.

We found that the young adults who watched more TikToks about ADHD were also less critical of them, giving a higher score to the bottom psychologist-rated TikToks.

A high diet of ADHD-related content was also related to the way that users viewed ADHD. The young adults who watched more TikToks about ADHD also estimated that ADHD was almost seven to 10 times more prevalent than it actually is in the general population and felt worse about their own symptoms.

We also asked participants how confident they were about having ADHD three times: Before watching any TikToks; right after watching TikToks; and after watching a short video from a clinical psychologist breaking down what the TikToks got right and wrong.

People with an official ADHD diagnosis stayed confident about their ADHD throughout. However, those who initially didn’t think they had ADHD became less sure after watching the TikToks, while those who self-diagnosed became more convinced they had ADHD.

After watching the psychologist video, those without ADHD regained their confidence that they didn’t actually have ADHD. However, those who self-diagnosed stayed just as convinced they had ADHD, even after hearing the psychologist’s explanation.

Takeaway message

We don’t want our research to scare away people from discussing their symptoms and finding community online. TikTok can be a great place to express yourself and find others with similar struggles.

Instead, we want to urge people to be more critical of the content they consume and consider that it might not fully represent ADHD.

For example, if you are seeking mental-health information on social media, you can:

1) Check the source. Is the information posted by a reputable organization (for example, medical institutions, universities, research centres, ADHD advocacy groups)?

2) Look for expertise. What are the content creator’s credentials? Are they a doctor or a registered clinical psychologist?

3) Crosscheck information. Does the information match up with authoritative information from other sources relying on research like the Centers of Disease Control, World Health Organization or other medical authorities?

4) Be wary of absolutes. Remember, ADHD is complex.

5) Follow the money. Is the content creator trying to sell you something (like supplements that claim to cure ADHD, ADHD coaching, ADHD diagnosis website).

The bottom line is that we need more accurate information about ADHD on social media. But the solution isn’t just better content. We need to tackle barriers to health-care access and rebuild trust between young people and mental-health experts.

Vasileia Karasavva receives funding from the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship.

Amori Yee Mikami receives funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Social Sciences and Humanities Council of Canada.

– ref. Put a finger down if TikTok has made you think you have ADHD – https://theconversation.com/put-a-finger-down-if-tiktok-has-made-you-think-you-have-adhd-250000

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Supercan Bulk Recalls a Single Lot of Pig Ear Slivers Pet Treats Due to Salmonella Contamination

Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

Summary

Company Announcement Date:
April 01, 2025
FDA Publish Date:
April 02, 2025
Product Type:
Animal & Veterinary
Reason for Announcement:

Recall Reason Description
Potential Foodborne Illness – Salmonella

Company Name:
Supercan Bulk
Brand Name:

Brand Name(s)
Supercan

Product Description:

Product Description
Pig ear slivers

Company Announcement
4/1/2025, Supercan Bulk of Miami, Florida is recalling one lot of Supercan Pig Ear Slivers- Thick Cut Piggy Ear Slices pet treats in 500 piece bags, 15.9 oz, expiration date 11/09/2026, due to Salmonella contamination.
Pets that have consumed products contaminated with Salmonella can be adversely affected and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.
Healthy people infected with Salmonella should monitor themselves for some or all of the following symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping and fever. Rarely, Salmonella can result in more serious ailments, including arterial infections, endocarditis, arthritis, muscle pain, eye irritation, and urinary tract symptoms. Consumers exhibiting these signs after having contact with this product should contact their healthcare providers.
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian.
The product comes in 15.9 oz bags with expiration date 11/09/2026, marked on the back side of the product.
The health risk was discovered when samples of the product were collected on 03/04/2025 and tested by the Washington State Department of Agriculture. The product tested positive for Salmonella.
The recalled lot of Supercan Pig Ear Sliver pet treats was distributed between 04/11/2024 in North 40 store located in Washington State.
No illnesses have been reported to date. Supercan Bulk has proceeded with a recall on that lot and will safely proceed to dispose of it under the FDA’s instructions.
Consumers who have purchased this product are urged to return to the place of purchase or destroy the food in a way that children, pets, and wildlife cannot access it. Do not sell or donate the recalled products. Do not feed the recalled product to pets or any other animals. Wash and sanitize pet food bowls, cups, and storage containers. Always ensure you wash and sanitize your hands after handling recalled food or any utensils and surfaces that come in contact with recalled food. For more information or refund, contact us at (689) 808-5419 Monday to Friday 8am-5pm ET.

Company Contact Information

Consumers:
(689) 808-5419

Product Photos

Content current as of:
04/02/2025

Regulated Product(s)

Follow FDA

MIL OSI USA News –

April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Poultry Meat Marketing Regulations to be amended to support industry through bird flu outbreaks
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

Poultry Meat Marketing Regulations to be amended to support industry through bird flu outbreaks

Poultry meat marketing regulations amended
As announced by the Government today (02 April), free-range poultry meat producers and processors will no longer need to change how free-range poultry meat is labelled when mandatory housing measures are introduced.

Currently, when mandatory housing measures are introduced to protect poultry from the spread of disease, after 12 weeks, free-range poultry has to be labelled as indoor reared. The Poultry Meat Marketing Standards Regulation in England will be amended so that this time limit is removed, enabling free-range poultry meat to be marketed as such for the duration of any mandatory housing measure.

In recent years, outbreaks of avian influenza in England have led to the introduction of mandatory housing measures which on several occasions have exceeded the 12-week maximum derogation period.

The amendment to existing legislation, which will be introduced in England through a Statutory Instrument, will mean that free-range poultry meat can, as long as the rest of the criteria on which free-range is granted are met, continue to be labelled as such throughout mandatory housing measures.

The move will cut unnecessary red tape and costs for British producers while also strengthening supply chain and maintaining consumer confidence.

Daniel Zeichner, Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs said:

Our priority is to support English free-range poultry farmers while ensuring clear and fair labelling for consumers. Amending the poultry meat marketing regulations will enable the sector to keep costs down and remain competitive.

This Government will restore stability and confidence in the sector introducing a new deal for farmers to boost rural economic growth and strengthen food security alongside nature’s recovery.

Following the confirmation of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in commercial poultry in England and subsequently in Scotland and Northern Ireland, in line with World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) rules, the UK is no longer free from HPAI. The risk of HPAI H5 in wild birds in Great Britain and across Europe is currently assessed as very high.

The proposal to remove this derogation period for England and Scotland was supported by the majority of respondents to an eight-week consultation undertaken late last year. Similar legislative changes are to be introduced by the Scottish Government.

More information can be found on our latest situation page Bird flu (avian influenza): latest situation in England – GOV.UK.

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Published 2 April 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Adolescence in schools: TV show’s portrayal of one boyhood may do more harm than good when used as a teaching tool

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sophie King-Hill, Associate Professor at the Health Services Management Centre, University of Birmingham

Netflix television series Adolescence has captured the attention of people across the UK – including the prime minister.

The series follows a 13-year-old boy accused of the murder of his female classmate. It touches upon incel online hate groups, toxic influencers and the misogynistic online spaces of the manosphere.

Keir Starmer has backed a move for Adolescence to be shown in schools, and Netflix has now made the series available to be shown for free in classrooms through charity Into Film+, which has also produced a guide for teachers. Resources for teachers and parents will also be produced by relationships charity Tender.

Adolescence is a drama and deserves the praise it has attracted. But it wasn’t developed as an educational resource, the kind that is produced in consultation with young people and schools and should be underpinned by robust research and well planned evaluations.

The series shows an extreme example of one teenager drawn into the world of the manosphere. Not all boys will see themselves reflected in this portrayal. And as a researcher working on masculinity and misogyny, my concern is that showing the series in schools may lead boys to think that they are all perceived as potential threats.

Showing the series as a teaching tool risks framing boyhood as monolithic, with one particular – and problematic – way of being a boy.

Already, a broad-brush, blame-heavy approach is often taken to boys in response to issues relating to sexual harassment and violence. “We may have a problem with boys and young men that we need to address”, Keir Starmer has said.

Boys dealing with blame

In research I have carried out for a forthcoming book on boys and masculinity, I worked with young men and boys aged 13 to 19. One 15-year-old boy said that “I am always told that I am part of the problem but never allowed to be part of the solution”. I also found that this broad blame culture leads to feelings of worthlessness in young men and boys, which shuts down vital dialogue and also may lead them to resort to looking for direction from negative spaces such as the manosphere.

It is evident from reports and evidence that young men and boys do carry out a large amount of reported sexual harassment and harms against young women and girls. This can be seen in the 2021 Ofsted report into sexual harassment in schools in England, for example. The 2025 2000 Women report states that, in the UK, a woman is killed by a man every three days.

There is evidently a serious, endemic and complex problem. The misogyny that can be popularised by toxic influencers online also needs urgently addressing.

But a “one-size-fits-all” approach to tackle “boys’ issues” may result in making things worse, not better, due to the lack of recognition of the intersectionality of boyhood. Other aspects of identity, such as race, age, class, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, sexuality and physical and mental health will have implications for the approaches that need to be taken.

Read more:
How to talk to boys about misogyny

My ongoing research has demonstrated that boyhood means differing things to different boys. In steering groups with young men and boys from various ethnicities and differing social classes, a consistent theme emerged. This was a conflict between the internal and external self that the boys felt that they had to portray. This was also highlighted in a further 16 focus groups carried out on the project, again with a range of boys.

The internal self refers to who the boys actually are, including other identity traits such as race and class, and all the other intersecting aspects of their identity. The external self is what they felt they should show as a boys to fit into the hierarchy of masculinity and how they should portray themselves to fit within the social expectations of being a boy. This causes a conflict of external and internal self.

Efforts to help boys deal with issues such as the messages of the manosphere need to be attuned to the nuance of their internal selves. Generalising boys does not account for the individual identities that they bring to the issues that affect them.

Boys as individuals

The monolithic perspective of “boys” and the ensuing group blame oversimplifies complex issues, resulting in less than effective solutions and interventions that do not acknowledge or account for the nuances and complexities that surround individual boys.

This approach ignores diversities and intersecting identities and steers societal thinking about boys as a set group. It risks stereotyping them and causing prejudicial approaches. When boys are stigmatised in such a way, it compounds issues across genders, breaks down valuable communication and can also cause resentment and hostility.

One of the key voices and valuable perspectives that is missing from this debate is that of young men and boys themselves. We need to truly listen to their perspectives and their needs and build upon these as they are the experts in the world they are experiencing. Good practice accounts for and builds upon these experiences, with young people.

My research has demonstrated that young people want to be a part of these discussions rather than having things decided for them. It also shows that, quite often, we are teaching them what they already know and providing support and education that is too little, too late. We need to move away from the broad brush blaming of boys and young men and begin to approach them based upon their own individual identities – of which gender is only a part.

Sophie King-Hill receives funding from ESRC.

– ref. Adolescence in schools: TV show’s portrayal of one boyhood may do more harm than good when used as a teaching tool – https://theconversation.com/adolescence-in-schools-tv-shows-portrayal-of-one-boyhood-may-do-more-harm-than-good-when-used-as-a-teaching-tool-253158

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Why AI therapists could further isolate vulnerable patients instead of easing suffering

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Nigel Mulligan, Lecturer in Psychotherapy, School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health, Dublin City University

Ole.CNX/Shutterstock

Imagine a therapist could live in your pocket. They’d be on hand for every wobble, every meltdown, every crisis – no matter where or when. They’d be cheap and accessible, so no more worries about finding the money for expensive therapy or lingering on a waiting list for months for NHS treatment. Sounds too good to be true?

Maybe, but few can deny the appeal of AI therapy, which uses artificial intelligence, like chatbots and digital platforms, to provide mental health support, guidance, coping strategies and structured exercises, often mimicking talk therapy.

The growing popularity of AI therapy may be troubling some experts but it’s understandable why so many people are turning to this convenient and cost-effective resource for mental health support.

In the UK, an NHS mental health referral can take 18 weeks or longer. According to 2025 data from the British Medical Association: “Services are not currently resourced to meet the increased demand, resulting in long waits and high thresholds for treatment; latest estimates put the mental health waiting list at one million people.

It’s perhaps no wonder then that a growing number of young people, in particular, are turning to AI chatbots to help them cope with mental health issues.
But, while AI can prove beneficial for some – often as a supplement to human therapy – it isn’t an effective substitute for a human therapist. And it could even prove dangerous.

Psychotherapy, known as the “talking cure”, uses dialogue to explore thoughts and feelings to help clients understand and address mental health challenges. Psychotherapists are now using AI tools to improve their work in mental health treatment. For example, software such as ChatGPT is being used by therapists to carry out client assessments. They enter details of the client, such as their sex, age, and psychological issues. In response, the chatbot collates the information to create a treatment plan for the therapist to follow.

But, although AI is proving helpful for some therapists, people turning to chatbots for help with mental health crises might find the lack of human supervision and input far less useful.

Lack of Humanity

Chatbots can simulate empathy, but don’t understand or feel emotions. Human therapists can provide emotional nuance, intuition and a personal connection, which chatbots currently cannot replicate in a meaningful way. Chatbots also have a limited ability to understand complex emotions and can struggle with understanding the complexity of human emotions, particularly when the situation involves deep trauma, cultural context or complex mental health issues.

Chatbots, then, are unsuitable for those with severe mental health issues. The software may provide some support for less severe cases, but they aren’t equipped to deal with severe mental health crises, such as suicidal thoughts or self-harm. Human therapists, however, are trained to recognise and respond to these situations with appropriate interventions.

While chatbots can be programmed to provide some personalised advice, they may not be able to adapt as effectively as a human therapist can. Human therapists tailor their approach to the unique needs and experiences of each person. Chatbots rely on algorithms to interpret user input, but miscommunication can happen due to nuances in language or context. For example, chatbots may struggle to recognise or appropriately respond to cultural differences, which are an important aspect of therapy. A lack of cultural competence in a chatbot could alienate and even harm users from different backgrounds.

So while chatbot therapists can be a helpful supplement to traditional therapy, they are not a complete replacement, especially when it comes to more serious mental health needs. Human psychotherapy provides a supportive, safe space for clients to slow down, reflect, and explore their thoughts and feelings with expert guidance. Human therapists are held accountable through ethical guidelines and professional standards.

Chatbots, however, don’t have accountability structures in place, which may lead to inconsistent or inappropriate advice. Research has also raised concerns about the potential for privacy violations and security risks of sharing sensitive information with chatbot therapists.

Some people might become overly dependent on chatbot therapists, potentially avoiding traditional therapy with human professionals. This could lead to a delay in receiving more comprehensive care when needed, making vulnerable people more isolated rather than easing their suffering.

The talking cure in psychotherapy is a process of fostering human potential for greater self-awareness and personal growth. These apps will never be able to replace the therapeutic relationship developed as part of human psychotherapy. Rather, there’s a risk that these apps could limit users’ connections with other humans, potentially exacerbating the suffering of those with mental health issues – the opposite of what psychotherapy intends to achieve.

Nigel Mulligan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Why AI therapists could further isolate vulnerable patients instead of easing suffering – https://theconversation.com/why-ai-therapists-could-further-isolate-vulnerable-patients-instead-of-easing-suffering-246206

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI: John Snow Labs Releases Generative AI Lab 7.0 to Help Domain Experts Evaluate and Improve LLM Applications and Conduct HCC Coding Reviews
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

LEWES, Del., April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — John Snow Labs, the AI for healthcare company, today announced the release of Generative AI Lab 7.0. The update enables domain experts, such as doctors or lawyers, to evaluate and improve custom-built large language models (LLMs) with precision and transparency. New capabilities include no-code features to streamline the process of auditing and tuning AI models.

While the Generative AI Lab already exists as a tool for testing, tuning, and deploying state-of-the-art (SOTA) language models, this upgrade enhances the quality of evaluation workflows. With the ability to compare LLM outputs side-by-side, annotate specific text spans, apply structured scoring, and export results, domain experts can quickly and easily train or fine-tune LLMs downstream.

Key features of the release include:
- Customizable project templates for LLM output evaluation with support for HTML content, including hyperlinks to references. Two modes are supported: individual and side-by-side response evaluation. Inter-Annotator Agreement (IAA) charts are also available for those projects.
- Support for Hierarchical Condition Category (HCC) coding enables users to streamline clinical risk adjustment workflows by automatically linking International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes to HCC categories, prioritizing high-value tasks, and validating codes more efficiently.
- Comprehensive and configurable framework for evaluating AI models across dimensions like accuracy, bias, robustness, fairness, and performance—enabling users to identify model weaknesses, improve reliability, and streamline iterative model enhancement through automated test management, visual insights, and data augmentation capabilities.
Domain experts are often best positioned to develop AI-driven solutions tailored to their specific business needs. However, limited technical skills and resources can pose significant barriers to the adoption of AI solutions. The Generative AI Lab addresses this challenge by providing a user-friendly, no-code platform that empowers teams to build reliable models, identify potential failures, evaluate output quality, and responsibly integrate AI into essential workflows.

“Evaluating custom-built AI models and LLMs for specific use cases is complex and goes beyond relying solely on public benchmarks. Determining their efficacy, safety, and value requires targeted, context-aware testing to ensure models perform reliably in real-world applications,” said David Talby, CEO, John Snow Labs. “With the new structured evaluations and detailed feedback included in the Generative AI Lab, domain experts can improve model quality, reduce errors, and accelerate safe, scalable AI deployments without the support of a data scientist.”

Click here to learn more about Generative AI Lab 7.0 or register for our upcoming training session to see the new side-by-side response evaluation feature in action.

About John Snow Labs
John Snow Labs, the AI for healthcare company, provides state-of-the-art software, models, and data to help healthcare and life science organizations put AI to good use. Developer of Medical LLMS, Healthcare NLP, Spark NLP, Spark NLP, the Generative AI Lab No-Code Platform, and the Medical Chatbot, John Snow Labs’ award-winning medical AI software powers the world’s leading pharmaceuticals, academic medical centers, and health technology companies. Creator and host of The NLP Summit, the company is committed to further educating and advancing the global AI community.

Contact
Gina Devine
Head of Communications
John Snow Labs
gina@johnsnowlabs.com

An infographic accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fed0ab53-c5fd-41e0-8078-8bca92ad7e59

The MIL Network –
April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: How Does a Used Galaxy Device Become a Key Part of a New One? Inside Samsung’s Circular Battery Supply Chain

Source: Samsung

What if a used smartphone could become part of a brand-new device?
Previously confined to the imagination, this idea is now a reality with Samsung Electronics’ Circular Battery Supply Chain — an initiative that recovers and reuses key materials from the batteries of used Galaxy smartphones. The Galaxy S25 marks the first time this closed-loop battery recycling system has been applied to Samsung’s flagship lineup.
Samsung Newsroom spoke with Youngmin Kim from the Circular Economy Lab in the Global Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) Office and Sangcheul Lee from the Battery Group in the Mobile eXperience (MX) Business at Samsung Electronics to learn more about the development and impact of this project.
▲ (From left) Sangcheul Lee and Youngmin Kim
Used Galaxy Devices Reborn as Valuable Resources
Each year, approximately 200 tons of waste battery material were collected at Samsung’s production facilities in Vietnam. Countries with proper recycling infrastructure can repurpose used batteries for applications like electric vehicle batteries. Vietnam, however, lacked the means to do so. Recognizing the need for a sustainable solution, the company decided to address the issue.
“Samsung’s Vietnam facilities are among those that generate the highest volume of waste batteries, including defective units from the manufacturing process and batteries recovered from a factory that repairs Galaxy phones traded in from the United States,” said Youngmin Kim. “Our goal was to create a system that would allow us to recycle these resources and reintegrate them into our products.”
▲ Youngmin Kim explains the Circular Battery Supply Chain while showcasing cobalt and cathode materials.
To develop an efficient recycling process for Vietnam’s waste batteries, Samsung partnered with multiple companies to build an optimized resource circularity system that connected cobalt extraction plants with battery production lines in neighboring countries.
“For the Galaxy S24 series, we sourced recycled cobalt externally,” he explained. “However, with the Galaxy S25, we implemented a fully closed-loop recycling system that extracts cobalt directly from discarded Galaxy batteries.”
The collected waste batteries are processed into high-purity cobalt, then shipped to the battery production line where it is integrated into Galaxy S25 batteries. This process transforms electronic waste from used Galaxy devices into a valuable resource, supporting Samsung’s vision for a sustainable circular economy.
▲ Samsung’s Circular Battery Supply Chain in action
More specifically, the Circular Battery Supply Chain begins with collecting used Galaxy smartphones, followed by dismantling and discharging their batteries. These batteries are then shredded and processed into a fine powder known as “black mass.” This material is subsequently refined to extract cobalt — which is used to produce cathode materials, a key component of the Galaxy S25 battery.
The Endless Recyclability of Cobalt
Cobalt is essential for maintaining the stability and performance of lithium-ion batteries in smartphones. While lithium carries electrons within the battery, cobalt facilitates lithium’s movement to ensure optimal battery operation.
▲ Cobalt ore samples
“Cobalt does not degrade with battery use, meaning it can theoretically be recycled indefinitely,” said Lee. “Recycled cobalt and newly mined cobalt are virtually identical — so much so that the difference is indistinguishable in the manufacturing process.”
In essence, Galaxy devices containing cobalt can be recycled and repurposed regardless of their manufacturing date.

▲ Samsung’s Circular Battery Supply Chain on display at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona
“The key to extracting high-purity cobalt lies in technology,” said Kim. “Through our Circular Battery Supply Chain, we have successfully recovered and utilized over 90% of the cobalt from the discarded batteries that have been collected.”
Half of the cobalt used in the Galaxy S25 batteries comes from recycled sources — a strong testament to Samsung’s environmental strategy and commitment to reducing its environmental impact while maintaining premium product quality.
The Road to a Reliable and Efficient Circular Supply Chain
Nonetheless, establishing the Circular Battery Supply Chain was no easy feat as the batteries were required to meet stringent global safety and environmental regulations.
▲ Sangcheul Lee explains the certification management process.
“We had to engage with numerous partner companies, navigating complex and rigorous procedures,” recalled Lee. “To prevent fire hazards during transport, the batteries had to be crushed and obtaining the necessary certifications to comply with relevant environmental regulations took considerable time.”
“With constantly evolving regulations and Samsung’s exceptionally high internal standards, we underwent multiple rounds of reviews and certifications,” he added. “Despite the challenges, we persisted as a team and successfully implemented the system in the Galaxy S25.”

Samsung’s Evolving Vision for a Circular Economy
“I felt a great sense of pride when our Circular Battery Supply Chain was showcased at the recent Galaxy Unpacked event,” said Lee, reflecting on the achievement. “I hope to continue developing sustainable batteries by expanding our recycling efforts to include lithium and other materials.”
“With the Galaxy S25, we’ve also reached another significant milestone in resource circularity — wafer trays discarded after semiconductor manufacturing have been repurposed into a plastic used in the side and volume keys,” shared Kim. “We are working on various projects to expand resource circularity across other product lines as well, and we hope our users will continue to join us on our journey.”
Samsung has successfully established a closed-loop battery recycling system through the Circular Battery Supply Chain — turning a vision launched under its 2022 environmental strategy into reality with the Galaxy S25. This milestone has sparked growing anticipation for the next innovations that will emerge from Samsung’s pursuit of a more sustainable future.

MIL OSI Economics –

April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: Civilians and MSF teams trapped by violence in Walikale, DRC
Source: Médecins Sans Frontières –
Worsening violence between armed groups in Walikale, DRC, has trapped people and our teams and is preventing the delivery of supplies.

If supply routes remain blocked, our teams will start to run out of essential medical supplies in two weeks.

We call on all warring parties to protect civilians, medical facilities, and health workers, and facilitate the delivery of medical supplies.
Escalating violence between armed groups the FARDC and the M23/AFC, and their respective allies, in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo, reached the city of Walikale on 19 March, trapping Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) staff at our base and at the local hospital.

In recent days, the situation has continued to deteriorate. The violence has severely impacted people’s access to healthcare, as 80 per cent of the community has fled the city, after hearing artillery fire and fearing hostilities. Over 700 displaced people are sheltering at the Walikale general hospital, putting additional pressure on already-limited medical resources.

“Our teams on the ground have to put their medical activities on hold when fighting erupts and are unable to move safely,” says Natalia Torrent, head of programmes for MSF in North Kivu. “The safety of our staff and patients is our top priority.”

Heavy gunfire has been heard in the vicinity of our base, highlighting the extreme risks faced by both healthcare workers and the communities they serve. Two weeks ago, a crossfire hit our logistics base, impacting our structures and some of our vehicles. Massive explosions took place near the town’s general hospital, where MSF supports the Ministry of Health in providing medical care.

Critical supply shortages of essential medicines

Today, logistical challenges remain critical, with no viable road or air routes to facilitate the transport of supplies and personnel. Our last supplies by air arrived on 17 January. With the airport remaining inoperative, the delivery of humanitarian supplies is a challenge.

“Within two weeks, our teams on the ground will start facing shortages of essential medicines, further complicating the ability of our teams to provide urgent medical assistance,” says Torrent.

MSF once again calls on all warring parties to respect and protect civilians, medical facilities, and health workers, as well as to facilitate the delivery of medical supplies to the area. We urgently demand safe and guaranteed access to healthcare for all those affected by the conflict.

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MIL OSI NGO –
April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Schools and communities can help children bounce back after distressing disasters like the LA wildfires

Source: The Conversation – USA – By Rita V. Burke, Associate Professor of Clinical Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California

The 2025 Los Angeles wildfires reduced more than 15,000 structures to ash in a matter of days. Among the devastation were 11 public and private schools and 30 child care facilities. In all, the fires disrupted the education and daily lives of over 700,000 students.

The fires first erupted on Jan. 7, 2025, in the Pacific Palisades, a small enclave of Los Angeles, and in Eaton Canyon, where the tight-knit community of Altadena is nestled in the foothills just north of Pasadena. Fierce winds pushed the flames through neighborhoods, making this one of the top five most destructive wildfires in California history.

In the immediate aftermath of this disaster, much of the focus has been, rightfully, on lives lost, homes damaged or destroyed, and the ability to maintain livelihoods. But noticeably missing from most media coverage have been the consequences of the wildfires for children and discussion of the unique challenges they face surrounding disasters.

We are a disaster epidemiologist and a disaster planner at the University of Southern California with almost 40 years of experience between us. We have studied pandemics, tornadoes, hurricanes and earthquakes.

But when the destruction impacts your own community, it hits differently. Like many others, we were directly affected by the school closures and poor air quality in the Los Angeles area.

We both had friends and colleagues who suffered property damage in the fires, including Rita’s best friend who lost her home in the Altadena fire. Our work, which focuses on disaster recovery and resilience in children, suddenly felt deeply personal.

We are currently studying the effect of wildfires on families and what factors help children recover faster and lead to more resilient lives.

The importance of schools

School districts across the region closed their doors due to dangerous air quality and structural damage. This included the Los Angeles Unified School District, which is the second-largest in the nation, serving over 500,000 students. Some schools were destroyed, while others were left with hazardous conditions, including toxic ash from burned homes. Even when schools reopened, many parents and caregivers were worried about sending their children back into classrooms that might not be safe.

This disruption in education extends beyond a few lost school days. Research shows that prolonged school closures can significantly affect children’s learning, mental health and sense of security. After major disasters, students often experience academic setbacks, increased anxiety, and emotional distress.

According to the Education Recovery Scorecard, as of spring 2024 the average U.S. student remained nearly half a grade level behind prepandemic achievement in math and reading, which points to the long-term impacts of school closures.

Rita’s best friend who lost her home shared that when it came to her children, her immediate priority “was getting them back into some type of normalcy.”

To her, this meant sending them back to school, but this wasn’t possible right away. “With the holidays and then the fires, my daughter was out of school for almost two months,” she said.

Her concerns about her children echo those of many parents in the wake of disasters.

Children need care and routine as adults do the work of disaster recovery.
Allen J. Schaben/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Learning from past disasters

After the 2020 Slater Fire in Happy Camp, California, a rural town about 25 miles south of the Oregon border, we conducted focus groups with children who had lost homes and schools.

Our study found that despite experiencing profound loss, many of the children expressed gratitude for their communities and an eagerness to rebuild. Their perspectives revealed both resilience and critical gaps in disaster response – gaps that we see unfolding in Los Angeles today.

One of the biggest lessons from the Slater Fire and other disasters is that children recover best when they are given a sense of stability and normalcy as quickly as possible. The faster children can return to a routine, the better their emotional and academic outcomes tend to be. Schools, child care facilities and structured activities all play a crucial role in this process.

Helping children cope with stress

To assist parents and caregivers in navigating difficult conversations after a natural disaster, substantial research has explored how to talk to kids about disasters.

For families navigating the emotional toll of this disaster, open conversations are key. Avoiding the topic in an attempt to protect children can make them more anxious. Instead, caregivers should create space for children to express their emotions and ask questions. Children’s responses to trauma vary based on their age and experiences, but common reactions may include anxiety about future wildfires, trouble sleeping, and withdrawing from activities they once enjoyed.

Children need help from the adults in their lives to cope with stress after a natural disaster.

Children may react differently, and it is important to be on the lookout for signs of stress. Younger children between ages 1 and 5 may become more irritable and may exhibit signs of developmental regression.

Older children between the ages of 14 and 18 may begin to show signs of depression or isolate themselves. They may also begin to act out or engage in risk-taking behaviors. Strategies that can help children process the experience include maintaining routines, keeping an open line of communication, encouraging creative outlets and modeling desired behaviors.

Tweens and teens may also find comfort in the shared experience with their friends. Rita’s best friend shared that her 11-year-old daughter and 10 of her friends named their chat group “70% homeless,” a telling reflection of how they are processing the disaster together.

Caring for our children after a disaster

Organizations such as Project:Camp, a nonprofit that provides pop-up camps for children affected by disasters, have stepped in to offer immediate child care relief in Eagle Rock, California, about 8 miles from Altadena. These programs not only support children’s mental health by offering structured, trauma-informed care in a fun environment, but they also give caregivers the time and space necessary to begin rebuilding their lives.

The services provided by these sorts of programs can serve as models that can be incorporated into the planning process for cities and counties. This allows more time for adults to focus on recovery needs while limiting the time that children must spend alone.

For families still struggling after the LA fires, we recommend talking to school counselors, seeking community support and contacting local disaster relief programs.

Looking ahead

Rebuilding after a disaster is about more than just reconstructing homes and infrastructure. It’s about restoring a sense of security for families, especially children.

If there is one thing our research has taught us, it is that children are incredibly resilient. But resilience is not built in isolation. Rather, it comes from strong support systems, thoughtful policies and communities that put their youngest members first in times of crisis. Prioritizing schools and child care centers in recovery plans helps to ensure that children can return to safe, supportive environments as soon as possible.

Rita V. Burke received funding from funding from the Natural Hazards Center at the University of Colorado Boulder with the Support of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Science Foundation for this work. She is also funded by the Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response. She is also Chair of the Board of Advisors for Project:Camp.

Santina Contreras receives funding from the Natural Hazards Center at the University of Colorado Boulder with the Support of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Science Foundation.

– ref. Schools and communities can help children bounce back after distressing disasters like the LA wildfires – https://theconversation.com/schools-and-communities-can-help-children-bounce-back-after-distressing-disasters-like-the-la-wildfires-249438

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

April 3, 2025
MIL-OSI: Celona Extends its Neutral Host Service to Millions of AT&T Customers

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CAMPBELL, Calif., April 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Celona, a pioneer in private 5G networks, today announced the expansion of its industry leading neutral host solution with the addition of AT&T. Celona Neutral Host allows organizations to improve the customer experience for cellular subscribers by extending public cellular coverage into environments with poor cellular reception.

Certified previously with T-Mobile, the solution is now extended to millions of AT&T subscribers when they walk into a building covered by a Celona 5G LAN network, delivering on the stringent Key Performance Indicator (KPI) requirements of each operator. The solution is powered by Celona’s cloud-based Multi Operator Exchange (MOXN) that creates a secure tunnel to the operator public network.

With Celona Neutral Host, any device, such as smart phones and tablets with SIMS/eSIMs from AT&T and T-Mobile, can automatically detect, authenticate and connect to the Celona 5G LAN over CBRS spectrum. The data and voice sessions are seamlessly routed to the respective mobile operator networks. Completely transparent to users, Celona Neutral Host appears exactly like each carrier’s regular public cellular services – allowing subscribers to automatically connect and authenticate to the service on their cellular devices with excellent quality. No special setup is required from either the user or the operator.

Celona has officially achieved the certification of its 5G LAN solution with AT&T after completing a suite of interoperability and regulatory test cases in the AT&T lab. The solution then successfully completed a large-scale live production trial with Stanford Health Care. The certification of Celona Neutral Host ensures the highest levels of service integrity for AT&T subscribers, including support for high quality voice and data services, emergency services including e911 calling, and other vital subscriber services with full regulatory compliance.

Available immediately within the United States with support for AT&T and T-Mobile subscribers, Celona Neutral Host is capable of concurrently advertising up to five different mobile network operators (MNO) as well as a discrete private wireless network signal for specific enterprise use cases.

By leveraging and sharing the existing enterprise LAN and WAN infrastructure, private 5G-based neutral host networking is a modern approach developed to provide high quality cellular coverage while roaming from the public network onto the private network. Celona Neutral Host is simply enabled on the Celona 5G LAN, increasing public cellular network coverage and capacity while dramatically reducing capital and operating expenses. This creates a unique advantage of the Celona solution – it works for businesses of all sizes – from the smallest retail store to the largest hospital. Included in the Celona solution is the flagship Celona AP 20 indoor multimode access point that supports both 4G and 5G, so that enterprise can meet both today’s and tomorrow’s coverage requirements.

At the heart of the solution is Celona’s MOXN technology. A cloud-hosted multi-site, multi-tenant software exchange, Celona’s MOXN technology simplifies operations and manageability by removing cumbersome and costly hardware burdens. With MOXN, mobile subscriber traffic is aggregated and securely tunneled to the MNO core network, making the entire experience completely seamless to users while guaranteeing subscriber service level agreements and KPIs for each MNO’s public cellular service.

Celona Neutral Host can be deployed and operational in a fraction of the time at nearly half the cost of legacy distributed antenna systems (DAS), giving enterprises unrivaled control and management over in-building public cellular services. The solution is under enterprise IT’s control, without the burden and cost of additional on-site equipment. Celona offers enterprises flexible deployment and pricing options that allow neutral host to be easily enabled on existing Celona private wireless networks or discretely deployed as a standalone solution for neutral host only services.

Private wireless neutral host solutions are ideally suited for healthcare environments, large retailers, offices, hotels and universities. Stanford plans to expand the deployment of private 5G neutral host networks to multiple buildings across several sites throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. “Stanford Health Care is pioneering advancements in healthcare, dedicated to enhancing the experience and the outcomes for our patients and clinical staff,” said Christian Lindmark, CTO of Stanford Health Care and Stanford School of Medicine. “Beyond ensuring reliable public cellular connectivity within our facilities, we envision utilizing this platform to establish a secure private wireless network dedicated to essential medical technologies, including clinical communication, patient monitoring and clinical video streaming.”

“Celona Neutral Host represents a significant advancement in enterprise connectivity and is an even more compelling solution now that AT&T has joined,” said Mehmet Yavuz, Co-founder and CTO at Celona. “Due to their rigorous test and certification process, AT&T can ensure their customers receive the superior cellular service they expect. And enterprises simply sign one contract with Celona. It’s fast, simple and cost effective.”

ABOUT CELONA

Based in Silicon Valley, Celona is a pioneer and leading innovator of enterprise private wireless solutions. The company developed the industry’s first 5G LAN system, a turnkey private 5G solution that enables enterprises to address their growing needs for secure and reliable wireless connectivity for critical business applications. Celona 5G LAN has been deployed by a wide range of global customers across industries. To date, the company has raised over $135 million in venture funding from Lightspeed Venture Partners, Norwest Venture Partners, NTT Ventures, Cervin Ventures, DigitalBridge and Qualcomm Ventures. For more information, please visit celona.io/neutral-host.

Media Contact:

Janet Brumfield

IdealPR+ for Celona

janet@idealprplus.com

614.582.9636

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3afd8d80-7faf-4c69-a3d4-8d390981838f

The MIL Network –

April 3, 2025